Inspectors to check other uncovered manholes
Inspectors to check other uncovered manholes
Released by Chief Directorate of Communication/Department of labour
on 05 February 2004
The Department of Labour would recommend that strong action be
taken against the Johannesburg City Council if there is evidence of
gross negligence - after three year old Karabo Gwala allegedly fell
down an open manhole in Dube - Soweto on Monday afternoon.
Preliminary investigations by the Department of Labour have
established that the manhole was not barricaded at the time of the
incident, and that the company conducting maintenance work violated
construction - health and safety regulations.
The Department?s inspectors are currently investigating reports
that other sewerage manholes have been left uncovered in the greater
Johannesburg area.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Council was earlier this week
slapped with a prohibition notice - after Labour Minister Membathisi
Mdladlana had ordered that a full investigation be conducted.
A prohibition notice will not be revoked until investigations are
completed. The manhole where Karabo allegedly fell - had since been
fenced.
?If there is evidence of gross negligence - those responsible for
this tragic incident should be brought to book, and face the wrath of
the law,? said the Minister.
The Minister would like to see this investigation completed as
soon as possible.
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