Not just another bump in the road
As 2014 drew to close, it was decided it was in the best interest of the community for speed bumps to be erected near Ferrum High School.
Just two months ago, Ward 2 councillor, Bebsie Cronjè, announced that two speed bumps would be erected in Aquamarine Drive in Sunnyridge.
As 2014 drew to close, it was decided it was in the best interest of the community for speed bumps to be erected near Ferrum High School. Despite the community’s concerns about similar issues faced in other areas, Cllr Cronje said Aquamarine Drive needed to be prioritised.
Furthermore, she hoped to target areas of concern and ensure speed bumps be erected in those areas as soon as possible.
“Each ward is allocated funds to erect only two speed bumps throughout the financial year,” she explained. “Newcastle Municipality’s stringent budget limits the safety and security of Newcastle residents.”
Budget aside, Cllr Cronjè was adamant that unabashed drivers posed a more serious threat than an obvious shortage of speed bumps across Newcastle as a whole.
According to a statement by the Strategic Executive Director (SED) for Technical Services, Sandile Dube, R600 000 is allotted per financial year to provide for 30 speed bumps. Council resolved to allocate funds for 10 speed bumps each in Madadeni, oSizweni and Newcastle West.
A perplexing statistic is that a mere 30 speed bumps will be constructed across an area of about 86 square miles. After breaking the news, the community speculated it was impossible for a single speed bump to cost R20 000.
The speed bumps have since been erected and the full extent of their efficiency will be seen only once the 2015 school term is in full swing.
Regardless of the rumours obscuring a victory for the residents of Ward 2, the safety of an area overrun with pupils from 7am five days a week cannot be ignored.
Speed bumps make a difference, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not.
Cllr Cronjè can be contacted for Ward 2 issues on 073 9411 846.
