Chamber leads the way, help address concerns
Mokopane Business Chamber recently had a meeting with the Mogalakwena Traffic and Emergency management team; numerous concerns were discussed
MOKOPANE – “We need to lead by example and teach our children the value of looking after our beloved town and environment. We need to take responsibility for our actions because every action has a reaction.”
These are the words of Andy Goetsch, President of the Mokopane Business Chamber, after they recently had a meeting with the Mogalakwena Traffic and Emergency management team, where numerous concerns were discussed.
Negligence cause for increase in accidents:
“We have noticed that the number of accidents, especially at traffic lights and four-way stops in town have dramatically increased, due the lawlessness of motorists,” said Goetsch. When a driver skips a red light or do not stop at a stop street, they do not only put themselves at risk, but also the lives of their fellow drivers. The Traffic Dept. with their limited man power and vehicles are trying their best to bring order in town.
Motorists are urged to turn on their vehicle lights as soon as its starts getting dark and they are also asked not to switch on their fog lights on clear nights, as it blinds the oncoming traffic.
By obeying the law, respecting fellow drivers and being alert, we can save lives.
Negative effects of illegal dumping:
A lot of residents and businesses are trying their best to keep the town clean, but it is worrying and disappointing to see numerous people dumping household and garden refuse in the veld. A glass business has recently dumped truckloads of glass into the Dorpsriver next to River Street. This only two weeks after Suricat ‘Adopted the Spot’. Workshops are dumping old oil and parts in the veld around town.
Please be advised that this is illegal and can lead to a hefty fine and even a prison sentence. “Our request is that the general public must be the eyes and the ears of the law. If anybody sees any illegal dumping take photos, videos and registration numbers so we can stop this trend and prosecute these offenders,” Goetsch stated.
Vandalizing of signs:
Many signs that the Municipality erect are vandalised or stolen for scrap metal, including warning signs next to speed humps. This has become very costly for the Mogalakwena Municipality and dangerous for road users as even stop signs poles are stolen to be sold as scrap iron. Report vandals at your nearest police station.
Request for Surveillance camera’s:
After numerous residents have fallen victim to crime in town the Chamber has again requested that the Mogalakwena Municipality budget for surveillance cameras. In many towns and cities where these cameras have been installed, there has been a vast improvement on the crime rate and traffic violations. We are going to request local businesses to assist with the cost of these camera systems for improved safety.
Noise disturbance by law:
There is an existing by-law that people may not disturb neighbours with excessive noise at any time of the day or night. Anybody who is troubled by excessive noise must phone the traffic dept. at (015) 491 9800 or the police at (015) 409 1400/1420. We have had meetings with the police and they have agreed to assist with these complaints. Goetsch said: “I find it better to drive to the police station, write down the name of the Police officer that you gave the complaint to and ask for an OB number (reference no). If you are not satisfied, report the incident to the Business Chamber in writing and we will take it up with the station commander.” Residents can either fax their complaints to (015) 491 8460 or E-mail: mokopane.bti@mweb.co.za.
The traffic department asked that when members of the public have a complaint, to please engage with them directly before sending a negative press statement. A lot can be resolved with a simple conversation.
Goetsch strongly concluded by saying: “If we continue with this lawlessness we will follow the same imploding path as Zimbabwe. It is everybody’s duty to set a good example and to assist us to get law and order back on track in our community.” The Business Chamber thanks the traffic and emergency staff and management for their positive cooperation and willingness to discuss and assist them in all their concerns.
redaksie.bosvelder@nmgroup.co.za
