Fury over poor verge maintenance

Ratepayers are dissatisfied with verge cutting on the South Coast.

Verges were recently cut in Merlewood and Marburg; however, residents have raised concerns about shoddy workmanship by the municipal contractor.

A visit revealed grass was cut in certain areas, but it was not up to standard. Contractors had neither raked nor picked up the grass. Litter, which was strewn along the pavements and the roads, had not been collected. Weeds in the kerbing had not been removed either.

Merlewood resident Merllisa Robertson said: ‘Mudville’ is always left off the verge cutting roster. “We at Mudville cut our own verges because the contractors never bother. Why are we left out?” she asked.

According to Marburg resident Yasheen Rooplall, poor verge maintenance is an ongoing issue.

“The grass which was cut was not picked up and has blocked the drains. This now increases the risk of flooding. My mother’s home was nearly flooded again. I call ward councillor Ajith Rajaram regularly regarding these complaints. He has brought up this issue numerous times, but the municipality does nothing about it. Why is this incompetent contractor given the job? “asked Rooplall.

Rajaram, the Ward 17 councillor, said road verges should be cut and trimmed throughout the contract period.

“Grass should be cut once a month. The verge should be cut from the edge of the road or kerb until the boundary of the property parallel to the road. The tar, kerbs and road edges should be kept free of grass and weeds at all times. The contractor should also remove all excess grass and soil. This is not being done by the contractors,” said Rajaram.

Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) was contacted for comment, but none was received at the time of going to press.

However, the Herald has obtained a copy of the duties of a contractor for verge cutting in RNM.

The general duties of the contractor are as follows:

* The contractor must maintain and upkeep in a neat and tidy appearance all road verges, public places, servitudes, access ways and parking areas used by the general public.

Road verges:
* Keep cut and trimmed throughout the contract period to provide a neat appearance. One cut per month inclusive of all activities as listed below.

* Width of verge to be cut from the edge of the road or kerb until the boundary of the property parallel to the road.

* All grass tracks to be cut to minimum overall width of six metres.

* Tar, kerbs and road edge to be kept free of grass, creep and weeds at all times. Contractor shall remove all excess grass and soil to be spaded and swept.

* Poison spraying to be done monthly.

* All bush to be cut back three metres from edge of grass verge and to a minimum height of six metres. No pangas/bushknives to be used. Hand saws, chain saws and pruners must be used.

* Verge area is not diminished by allowing bush to expand without cutting.

* All litter, refuse, cuttings and trimmings to be collected and disposed of at the local refuse tip site (no dumping at garden transfer sites will be allowed) within a maximum period of 48 hours.

* Fallen trees, branches, etc., creating obstruction to be removed to refuse site.

* All bush to be kept from obstructing pedestrian movement and traffic sight distance.

* Remove all illegal dumping.

* During winter, all molehills to be flattened prior to cutting.

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