Laezonia residents taking fight for safety to the streets

Lauren Gander (right), speaking to councillor Kingsley Wakelin and MPL Fred Nel. Photos: Jason Milford

Laezonia residents in Centurion took their frustration over road deaths to the streets on Tuesday.

Along with ward councillor Kingsley Wakelin, they marched to two intersections at Summit and Mnandi Roads on the R511, R114 and N14.

Their aim was to raise awareness of the high number of accidents in the area.

They also handed over a signed petition to DA shadow MEC for roads and transport Fred Nel.

The document would be submitted to the Gauteng legislature.

Nel said he hoped this would pressure the roads department into making the crossings safer.

Also read: Another death on R511 in Centurion

One of the marchers, Elke Haas, said almost every resident in Laezonia had been affected by road accidents.

“Not only were they involved, but all the residents here had witnessed fatal accidents.”

She said residents would not rest until the provincial government had upgraded the intersections in question.

Another resident, Lauren Gander said fatal accidents were a weekly occurrence.

Gander said she had sent several emails to MEC Ismail Vadi on the issue, but had never received any response.

Also read: Anger over Centurion ‘road of death’ 

“We are tired of witnessing the deaths of loved ones,” she said.