Following recent concerns about the municipality’s provision of service delivery and maintenance of its infrastructure, the City of Ekurhuleni has provided feedback on what it hopes will be achieved.
In recent editions of the NEWS the condition of Eastleigh area, roads in Edenvale and Bedfordview have been highlighted raising concerns from community members alike.
In the May 8 edition of the NEWS CoE told readers that they should notice an improvement of the condition of roads in the area as additional contractors were hired.
Also read: Pothole damage? This is how you can claim from metro
“The City is aware that Edenvale is too large for the available staff complement. However, it is complementing the capacity shortage by bringing on board consultants and contractors to address operational issues,” said CoE spokesperson Themba Gadebe.
“We have no doubt that improvements will be noticed soon.”
Gadebe said often financial resources are limited in public service due to competing priorities.
“The city is committed to turning the Edenvale situation around.”
Gadebe said in order to improve services provided by the roads depot which caters for Edenvale, Bedfordview and Boksburg contractors were outsourced and an Expanded Public Works Programme was brought on board.
He said contractors needed to be brought in as the depot was understaffed.
Currently, there are 35 operational staff members maintaining 1 500km of tarred roads throughout Bedfordview, Edenvale and Boksburg.
Also read: Humphreys urges community to report any potholes in Bedfordview
“Some of the vacant positions were largely due to a migration process from old staffing structure to a new structure. Once the process of migration is complete, this will be resolved.”
In order to address the potholes in Edenvale, Meadowdale and the surrounding areas contractors and consultants have been appointed to complement the work of the internal staff.
“Edenvale Depot was allocated more funds to cover most problematic roads through patching and rehabilitation of roads in the whole of Edenvale.”
Gadebe said the City has not received complaints about the quality of material used to repair potholes in the Meadowdale area.
“It must be noted that since that area was scheduled for roads rehabilitation, CoE carried out constant patching of the road so that it was driveable, while the contractors were still preparing designs for rehabilitation.”
Gadebe said maintenance and repair work is conducted to roads, stormwater drains and servitudes on an ongoing basis.
