R40m revamp a fruitless expenditure?
Several complaints of vandalism have surfaced from the R40m renovations at the City Centre and the main taxi rank. Polokwane Observer spoke to the municipality:
POLOKWANE – Even before the two projects have been handed over to the Polokwane Municipality, several complaints of vandalism have surfaced from the R40m renovations at the City Centre and the main taxi rank on Church Street.
Municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala says the project has not officially been handed over to the municipality as they are awaiting the occupational certificate approval and as such it is still the responsibility of the contractor to ensure the facility is safe.
“The facility has cameras. We have requested the contractor and the taxi association to check the footage in order to address the matter with the relevant authorities. We are also engaging with the taxi associations to assist in monitoring the facility as they will be taking over the facility once the occupational certificate is issued.”
Some of the complaints include the theft of metal objects that were placed around the rank, the making of fires that damage the walls, side walks and the floor along with several cement stands that have been broken down. Some concrete dustbins have also been broken. One of the taxi drivers who works from the main taxi rank says it is worrying that the same residents who were complaining about the state of the ranks before the renovations are now contributing to the vandalism.
“Even some of our drivers remove the cement barricades that divide the various platforms and this happens while the contractor is on site. We don’t know what will happen after they leave. The problem is also caused by unemployed people who try to make a living here, or those who are homeless and stay in the vicinity because they steal the metal objects and sell them to make money. The other main issue is the overall presentation of the place.”
He says that the municipality has not hired anyone to clean the spot. This has prompted some of the people who work from there such as drivers and vendors to contribute financially to pay for someone to clean which should have been a priority from the municipality’s side.
“They should have put plans in place to maintain the place, if that is not done then the renovations would have been fruitless expenditure because the place will deteriorate,” the man said.
