DEAR Editor,-
I am a tax-paying resident of Pennington and have noted frequent and widespread complaints from members of the public about the poor state of municipal roads in Pennington.
In my opinion, these complaints are fully justified, as it is almost impossible to find a single road in Pennington (specifically ward 10) where there is not a series of potholes, faulty stormwater drains and damaged kerbing.
YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: Umdoni’s ‘tyred’ residents threaten to withhold rates
After each rain, potholes increase. Kingfish Road and the Barracouta and Dolphin Roads intersection are but two examples.
I’m sure that for every complaint published, there are scores more people who are equally unhappy about the situation.
Despite these manifold complaints, I have not witnessed a single effort by the municipality to make repairs in recent months.
The municipal manager has an obligation to provide a safe and effective infrastructure for residents of Umdoni. Roads are arguably the most important infrastructure element. Without usable roads, all other service delivery is compromised.
Section 152 (1)(b) of the Constitution requires a municipality to ‘ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner’. The municipal manager must lead his team and strive to fulfil this duty.
Timely repairs of potholes, blocked stormwater drains and kerbing by council will: a) limit further infrastructure damage, which relieves the financial burden on council; and b) reduce residents’ and road-users’ risk of personal injury and vehicle damage.
I call on the municipal manager of Umdoni to address the matter of effective road maintenance swiftly and sharply, using the resources at his disposal.
SIMON BOYLE
Pennington
