DISGRUNTLED Kwartel Street user writes:
Every morning on my way to work I have to use Kwartel Street in Birch Acres.
I am amazed at the lawlessness and mayhem that I observe every morning without an EMPD traffic officer in sight. I know the EMPD is aware of this as this was raised at a CPF meeting where a representative of the EMPD was present.
His response: we are short staffed.
I then raised the matter with a number of persons and was amazed to find out that the widening of Kwartel Street to a four-lane road was approved by council on July 31, 2014. This was confirmed when I obtained the minutes of the said meeting.
The minutes of the meeting noted :
1. The MMC Roads and Transport ensure that the design and planning for the development and construction of the dual lanes during 2015/2016 financial year is funded and completed
2. The MMC Roads and Transport ensure budget for the development and construction during 2015/2016 financial year is approved during 2014/2015 financial year.
3. The MMC Roads and Transport ensure the construction and completion of the Kwartel and Pongolariver Drive dual lanes are constructed and completed during the 2015/2016 financial year.
My questions are:
1. Has the design and planning being completed?
2. Has the budget been approved?
3. When will construction be completed as there are only seven months left of this financial year?
Chief Supt Wilfred Kgasago, EMPD spokesman, replies:
We never complain about being short staffed as we invariably make do with what we have at our disposal, not discounting the fact that the personnel compliment we have cannot be at all problematic locations at all the times. We strive to work smart in order to resolve problems on our roads.
Rest assured that we are aware of all places that are giving road users challenging issues.
The said location will be periodically monitored and those who commit offences will have the book thrown at them.
This office shall communicate the outcome of the interventions employed to curb the alleged lawlessness taking place.
Nearly three weeks after submitting this letter to the metro for comment regarding the upgrade, they still have not replied – Editor
