EDITOR – Whenever Supply Chain Management tenders for “supply and delivery of road traffic cones” over the years, has it ever checked where the cones purchased previously have gone to?
Does it check with those entrusted with the orange cones why these cones are going missing? Does it check with those entrusted with the blue cones why these cones are going missing? I don't think so – else we would have a lot more cones at hand than we do.
Personally, I see cones deployed questionably every day (I should say stolen and used illegally, but will not). By my understanding, orange and blue cones may only be deployed, respectively, by contractors to the City during the execution of their duties and to mark work-in-progress areas, and Metro police, during the execution of their duties, in which case an officer must be posted to support the cones and ensure they are returned to stores.
Cones are “owned” by all manner of entities, individuals (e.g. outside Killarney Hotel to reserve a parking bay and car-guards (probably illegal) closing off the Pavilion site to rent parking, hotels (e.g. Elangeni, Hilton), business (e.g. the pub next to 101 Victoria Embankment), organisations (e.g. al Ansaar Foundation, ANC KZN HQ), and unidentified (cones preventing access to parking bays – near Tourism Information Centre, near Mini Town and near Pirates Club).
Another issue is the long time (a year or three) we have been spared the noise (and amusing sight) of the Blue Light Brigades. The Brigades have made a comeback, especially escorting soccer teams. Tell them that they disturb the peace and their brashness is not endearing. Going about their work quietly would more effective and appreciated.
For a while now cops have been driving around and parking off at various intersections with vehicle blue lights either on or flashing. What returns are achieved from this stance, since the officers are only visible and not doing by-law enforcement? When driving around, they often merely blast their siren to clear the way for themselves, yet go past so many infringements. We are certainly not getting value for money from them.
Mahmood
North Beach
