Trucks continue to use suburb’s streets

The municipality has failed to deliver on their promise to erect road signs prohibiting heavy vehicles from using the Lawton bridge between Westenburg and Nirvana, and travelling through Westenburg.

Review reported in July that Westenburg residents were up in arms over the large trucks, some even transporting abnormal loads, travelling through their suburb at all times of the day and night.

The municipality made a commitment that by the end of August, its roads and stormwater section would erect the road signs along the route, and traffic officials would ensure compliance thereafter. Residents now say these were just empty promises. “Fewer trucks with abnormal loads are travelling through Westenburg, but trucks transporting goods still travel through our suburb and even park at night at the entrance of RDP section next to the bridge,” said one disillusioned resident.

Municipal spokesperson, Matshidiso Mothapo, again confirmed that heavy trucks were not allowed in residential areas unless they were engaged in an operation in that area.

“The municipality did take a decision to put up signage indicating that heavy motor vehicles are not allowed along that route. However, there was a delay in the process of procuring the required signage as there is no service provider locally who can manufacture the required quality material needed at an affordable price,” Mothapo said. He added that this material was not readily available but had to be manufactured according to certain specifications.

“The municipality had to place orders elsewhere and is currently awaiting delivery of the signage. The community is assured that the municipality is committed to providing this signage and enforcing the law against any perpetrators.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and appeal to the community to stay calm as the signs will be erected soon,” Mothapo concluded.