Streetlights and potholes, two words that have become part of my daily vocabulary.
The programme to get the streetlights working was received with much enthusiasm by residents who have been in the dark for many months, even years in some cases.
This unfortunately has slowed down considerably. In the last 2 weeks, only 43 streetlights were repaired.
In a municipality where there are 29 wards, it really does boggle the brain that this is all that could be achieved.
Ward 6, Ballito still has over 60% non-functioning streetlights.
The situation could result in an increase in crime.
We are fortunate to have Ballito Neighbourhood Watch patrolling the streets of Ballito vigilantly and reporting suspicious activities as they are seen.
There has been some activity in getting potholes patched, with varying degrees of success.
While inclement weather may slow down this process, the quality of work must be up to standard.
It is futile repairing a pothole just for it to lift during the next rains.
The Pigeonwood Swamp forest has finally had part of the fence replaced.
This project has been part of the IDP for over 13 years.
It took a tree falling and damaging the fence to such a degree that it couldn’t be repaired in order to get the project started.
It’s unfortunate that the repairs started on Good Friday and carried on through the Easter weekend, coming to a halt thereafter.
In the end, a contractor had to be appointed to complete the work.
Apart from the added cost of overtime, this work is substandard, and we certainly hope that the contractor will be rectifying the work before receiving payment.
The above examples indicate that there is very little supervision done on the ground.
This would not be tolerated in the private sector.
It reflects the findings of the Auditor General when it is stated that there needs to be increased consequence management.
We will continue to monitor service delivery and escalating and blockages that may be taking place across the various business units.
As always, feel free to contact me for help with this regard.
On a separate note, the IEC did targeted registration in areas where ward boundaries have changed.
In order to vote in the upcoming local elections, you do need to be registered correctly.
We need to ensure that we get service delivery and that public funds are spent wisely.
This can only be achieved if we all stand up and use our right to vote for a government that delivers quality services.
If you are unsure and require assistance, please feel free to make contact with me.
