A shrug of the shoulder

The recent water and electricity outages in parts of town, some still ongoing, have once again highlighted the need for efficient and hassle-free management of municipal affairs.

Sure, as in any job, there are bound to be hiccups, but over the past couple of years the residents of our town have increasingly had to endure severe inconveniences because of someone’s bungling of affairs – singularly of collectively.

Yes, this very subject has been raised before and written about in our local media on countless occasions. So much so that we in the media are sometimes asked: “Is that all you people can write about? Water outages, electricity outages, sewage spills, potholes, unkempt pavements and the like?”

If truth be told, we really would much rather not be writing about things such as these, unless, of course, it is in a positive manner.

But by not reporting on these we would be failing in our duty as a community mouthpiece to convey the frustrations of the people to the powers that be.

Some reports yield results,but others don’t. Some questions are answered, others aren’t.

After many years the most puzzling question still remains: Whatever happened to those things called preventative maintenance, foresight and planning? That is when one keeps a stock of all those items and components that will most likely need to be replaced at some time or other.

A checklist before going out on a job could also be helpful. To service or repair something that has broken down obviously requires certain tools and spare components.

Arriving at the scene of a burst water pipe only to discover I haven’t even one spade to dig where the mechanical shovel cannot reach or finding there is no diesel or petrol for the generator to pump out water is an example of bad planning. Couplings, fittings, spanners and other tools of the trade are essential in order to perform certain tasks.

Why are these not checked and loaded onto the service vehicle before setting out on a job and, most importantly, ensuring that components or stock items are replaced or replenished when used?

The easy explanation we have become accustomed to hearing by now is lack of money. This may be so, but as any tradesman or businessman will know, unaccountability and lack of foresight cost more money in the long run. Having to replace tools that are lost or not booked back into stock or riding back and forth to fetch items that should have been taken to a job at the outset all cost more money in the long run.

Proper planning and finding more cost efficient ways in which to perform essential services, even with the meagre means at one’s disposal, can go a long way to saving money.

It simply requires responsible planning, foresight and supervision by and from the very top echelons of municipal management, right down to the foreman on the ground. This will also instil pride in one’s work.

A job done with pride and the right equipment is a job well done.

For free breaking and community news, visit our websites:

Ridge Times, Standerton Advertiser & Highvelder

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

BBM – 2667A726

WhatsApp – 0748877590