Roadworks in Jan Kempdorp have come to a complete standstill as Phokwane municipality fails to invest with urgency in the required equipment and supplies needed to effect repair work.
The state of Grens Street, a high-volume traffic route, used by learners and workers to get to school and their places of work, has shone the spotlight on the municipality’s sluggish efforts to ensure that the town’s roads are safe and drivable. While preparations for repair work commenced weeks ago, and huge chunks of tar were cut out, the municipality finds itself without a compactor and without tar to complete the job.
Phokwane recently terminated its lease agreement for a compactor, that was costing R17 000 per month. It has also failed to proceed with the procurement of its own compactor, at a cost of R15 000, despite this being a far more viable option. Apparently, the submission is being held up at the office of the Chief Financial Officer. Excuses about the delayed ordering of the tar, apparently hampered by municipal strike action, are also being tossed about.
Residents are increasingly frustrated as holes grow deeper and more treacherous, with the possibility of rain likely to further aggravate the road conditions.
Other Jan Kempdorp roads in a visibly poor condition include Trinidad Street, Jakaranda Avenue in Andalusia Park and the roads in the industrial area, where heavy vehicles need access to ensure that the local economy stays afloat.
The DA has repeatedly addressed our concerns with the technical director. Given the tendency by the municipality to prioritise Hartswater’s roads above Jan Kempdorp’s roads, I also requested an investigation into the state and repair of Jan Kempdorp’s roads. My request was acceded to, although nothing has come of it so far. I have further appealed to the Municipal Manager to urgently intervene.
The DA is closely monitoring the situation and if the latest commitment by the municipality, to resume with repair work on Wednesday, does not go head, we will be launching a local petition to apply further pressure on Phokwane to patch Jan Kempdorp’s potholes.