Parks department fails to weed out the problem
There is no weed spraying programme in the entire eThekwini Municipality.
overgrown weeds can be seen on Lancaster Road
in Dawncliffe, Westville.
RESIDENTS would have noted with growing concern the verdant growth of weeds in the gutters and roads of the Highway area over the last couple of weeks.
According to Ward 18 councillor, Tim Brauteseth, from the start of 2014, he has noticed that no action has been taken to remove the weeds from the gutters of roads in the area.
He said he was expecting the parks department to implement a programme to remove the weeds.
However, when Brauteseth queried this with the parks department, he was advised of the sad reality. According to senior officials responsible for this function, the current weed spraying contract was terminated at the end of December 2013.
Due to eThekwini’s supply chain management issues, new contractors were not appointed, therefore leaving the entire eThekwini Metro without a weed spraying programme.
“This unfortunately did not come as a shock. Due to the inept behaviour of our municipal manager, we regularly see cases where the administration simply do not keep their eye on the ball and allow contracts to expire without any future planning. The governing party then uses Regulation 36 legislation, intended for emergencies only, to rectify the problem.
Regulation 36 allows the municipality to avoid the normal supply chain management policies when an emergency is at hand. It is however used far too often and has become the norm to cover up situations where the municipal manager or his subordinates have been asleep at the wheel. Use of this legislation also opens the door for nepotism and corruption,” said Brauteseth.
The parks department have advised that they requested a Regulation 36 extension until such time that a new contractor is appointed. They are hopeful that this extension will be approved soon.
“This request, while possibly helpful is of no consolation to the ratepayers of eThekwini. We are now in March and no action has been taken.
“The weeds are not only unsightly but their continued presence allows debris to collect around them and causes obstructions and blockages to the natural flow of storm water.
“This can lead to pools of surface water which are extremely hazardous. We call on the relevant officials to expedite a solution to this problem without delay,” added Brauteseth.
