Sloppy work by GMM endangers people

The Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) replaced a transformer on Drakensburg Street over two months ago. However, it still has its live cable exposed and barrier tape as a caution sign to the corner of the area.

It is all good and well that the GMM fixes or replaces transformers, burst pipes or water leaks, but how it leaves these sites is questionable.

“It is dangerous having the transformer so open. Schoolchildren and the public walk right next to it on the road. I dread to think what would happen if someone gets injured,” a resident said.

A water leak on the corner of John Tate and Albasini streets in Secunda was repaired in mid-February. Workers put a tree branch in the hole, erected barrier tape as a caution sign and left gravel from the hole on the roadside.

Responding to media enquiries about why the GMM leaves sites in such a hazardous, unsafe and messy way, its spokesperson, Donald Green, said the municipality apologises to those affected.

Concerning the road and burst water pipe repairs, he said, “Different departments deal with the repairs of faults and reinstating of roads and infrastructure. If there is a burst pipe or electrical work that needs fixing and if it is urgent work, the water or electricity department responds quickly to prevent further water loss or water shortages/prolonged power outages for residents. Once that is done, reinstating the damaged roads is handed to the roads department.”

He said the GMM has a programme to do backfilling and reinstate the soil after excavations by the GMM to do the necessary repairs. As for the transformers, he said the GMM knows several of these mini-substations.

“We are waiting for the finalisation of the procurement process so they are permanently fixed and repaired. We urge residents to refrain from removing the barricade tapes around those temporary transformers,” Green concluded.