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Editorial:Now municipality blames God for its incompetence

Kennedy Mudzuli

So, God and the contractors are part of the reason for the crumbling road infrastructure.

Johannesburg Roads Agency spokesman Thulani Makhubela says traffic lights go on the blink after rain because underground cables are not insulated. He goes further to say a huge budget is needed to fix the problem as it will be a massive project.

Rain is also being blamed for potholes that have continued to infuriate motorists across the city, damaging wheels and cars in the process.

Never mind the fact that it’s rainy season, if our city fathers are to be believed and taken seriously, for as long as it continues to rain traffic lights will be off line. And because city council hasn’t a massive budget to rectify the situation nothing will be done.

A major intersection near the Hyde Park shopping centre was without functional traffic lights for most of last week. And it’s well known that Johannesburg pointsmen are allergic to non-functional traffic lights. Traffic lights in Katherine Street, Sandton were also out as well as on Marlboro Drive on and off ramps.

Residents pay high rates to receive top-class service. That, unfortunately for politicians, is the service they are expected to provide when they govern big cities.

If cables are not insulated, traffic lights knocked down, cables stolen and there are potholes, city council must fix them. No negotiation, no questions asked and no explanation expected.

As one reader pointed out, if cables are being stolen, implement plans to prevent this.

If cables are not insulated, do something about it. Do not ignore these issues when you know they will recur.

And if contractors leave open manholes or break cables, terminate their contract. Even if it’s a jobs for pals scenario, take the residents’ interests to heart and give the tender to someone who will work properly.

This, Makhubela, will be better than expecting God to stop the rain in the middle of summer.

kennedym@caxton.co.za

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Kennedy Mudzuli