The Democratic Alliance (DA) has appealed to Dawid Kruiper Municipal Manager, Mr Elias Ntoba, to immediately accept an offer from a local businessman to repair and install adequate lighting at the low railway bridge in Schröder Street, as well as at advance warning signs leading to the bridge.
This intervention is critical to preventing further accidents, traffic disruptions, and damage to the bridge.
Just two weeks after the DA called on the municipality to address the serious safety risks posed by poor lighting and inadequate visibility of height restriction signs, at least three more heavy vehicle collisions have occurred at the bridge. A potentially tragic incident involving a truck transporting cattle was also narrowly avoided.
Despite repeated incidents and appeals for intervention, Dawid Kruiper Municipality continues to drag its feet and has made no meaningful effort to engage with Transnet to resolve the ongoing hazard.
Even more concerning is that the municipality has not responded to a generous offer from a private businessman, who is willing to fund and install the necessary lighting improvements.
With motorists, truck drivers, livestock, and critical infrastructure all at risk, this dangerous situation cannot be ignored any longer.
The DA calls on Dawid Kruiper Municipality to put public safety first and immediately accept this offer so that lives can be protected and further accidents prevented.
The municipality needs to work together with all of society, to ensure the best possible outcome for all residents and visitors to Upington.