DEAR Editor;
It is with saddened heart that I have to write to you to express my frustration and anger in the way that our roads are a disgrace.
A week ago I drove to our public library and unfortunately hit a huge pothole in Munro Avenue, just before swinging into the road leading to the municipal offices and library.
I did not see the pothole which tore a large hole in my front left tyre, which was incidentally in a good condition and had to be replaced by me purchasing a new tyre.
I was told by a friend that I must collect a form from the municipal offices to make a claim. The municipal staff however, told me that their Uvongo offices used to assist people in this regard but no longer do so.
I pay annual road tax and tax on my property, how is an aged pensioner like myself, able to manage in these hard and difficult times when having to find extra funds for unnecessary expenses – surely we are entitled to receive compensation for neglect of the repairs to our roads .
I am sure our community would appreciate advice as to the reasoning of the municipal decision to no longer compensate car drivers for the damage done to their vehicles by hitting a pothole on our roads.
SHIRLEY ELLIOT
Response from Ray Nkonyeni Municipality
Firstly, on the condition of the roads, the municipality is trying by all means to mitigate the current state of the road infrastructure.
However it should be noted that the lifespan and the weather (mainly the early June 2021 heavy rains) have resulted in the roads deteriorating. Unfortunately the rains took place towards the end of the financial year with the new financial year only having started on July 1.This means the municipality has a plan to address the condition of the roads within the available means.
Secondly, there is no decision by the municipality not to compensate claimants for pothole damages or any other damage that may be attributed to it. A claimant is expected to submit the legal claim (for any damages) via the municipal manager’s office, who will then hand over the claim to the Legal and Compliance section which will then consider the merits of the claim.
SIMON APRIL
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality spokesperson
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