A Heideveld ouma says the City of Cape Town needs to pay up after her grandchild fell into an open drain and injured her leg.
Linda Bush, 59, says the City must cough up for medical costs, and pain and suffering after her 11-year-old granddaughter, Tameesa Crowder, fell into the drain on 26 February while on her way to school.
“I got a call from the principal of Woodlands Primary asking me to come to school immediately after Tameesa was in an accident,” the ouma says.
Tameesa, who now spends most of her days with her right leg propped up, explains: “It was raining that morning and I was rushing, I was late so I ran.
“I didn’t see the open drain on the pavement and I just felt I’m falling. There was so much blood and I could see my bone. I received 14 stitches, seven inside and seven outside.”
The angry granny adds: “The wound was five centimetres deep. The fat was hanging out of the wound.”
HAZARDOUS: The drain
Linda says the City needs to pay for their negligence.
“Tameesa has nightmares. When it’s cold, her leg pains and the pains go to her head. She needs counselling. She must get proper healthcare and physiotherapy. I want the City to do this, it is their fault.”
Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Waste, Councillor Xanthea Limberg, says a claim form, available from the City’s website or at any library, must be submitted for damages.
“Once the City has received the claimant’s formal correspondence, a reference number will be provided for all future liaison,” Limberg said.
She adds: “This year, 1304 stolen sewer manhole covers were replaced with polymer plastic covers (after they were stolen or vandalised).”