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Editorial:Roads agency spokesman should learn from city manager

Kennedy Mudzuli

Kennedy Mudzuli

Johannesburg Roads Agency spokesman Thulani Makhubela was at it again after the editorial, Municipality blames God for its incompetence, (week ending 29 January).

Live on Talk Radio 702 and its sister station 567 CapeTalk, the nimble-tongued one denied giving journalists reasons for the ‘potty’ state of roads across Johannesburg.

Nor did he agree with saying some traffic lights went on the blink after heavy rains because underground cables in certain areas weren’t insulated. But Makhubela cannot fool everyone.

If he missed editions of this newspaper that published his comments, all he need do is make a detour to 368 Jan Smuts Avenue for a quick reminder.

Makhubela further told listeners the turn-around time for repair of potholes was three days, weather permitting. Well, that is yet to be seen. If it was the case, potholes in William Nicol and Sandton drives and other major roads would have been repaired by now. In addition, he said it would be difficult to repair potholes if the rain continued to fall.

The spokesman should try another explanation.

Potholes haven’t suddenly appeared. The problem has been escalating over the years, with nothing done to nip it in the bud. He should take a leaf out of the book of city manager Mavela Dlamini who has urged businesses to assist the municipality in fixing potholes.

However, Dlamini warned those assisting not to expect favours such as tenders in return, and said they must give genuine assistance with no strings attached. We love our city manager, but which political party does he belong to again?

kennedym@caxton.co.za