“We did receive a letter from the municipality where they prohibit us from fixing the potholes in your beautiful city,” Tiaan Esterhuizen, Manager of Community Structures at AfriForum said.
AfriForum identified Fanie, Birkholtz, Steve Bantu Biko and Pienaar streets as crisis streets that need immediate attention.
“These streets are close to schools and that poses a threat when motorists have to swerve out, with children walking on the pavement on their way to and from school,” Esterhuizen said.
To repair these roads will cost around R82 000.
But the local municipality is not ready to receive help from AfriForum. This became clear in the letter the municipality’s administrator, Mr Theo van Vuuren send in response to AfriForum.
Van Vuuren said tender has been advertised two weeks ago for the repair of a further 20 000m². The work is executed according to a prioritised programme and within budget availability.
Van Vuuren said if AfriForum’s current demand received is not in this spirit, they should rather advise on priorities than to determine and impose their priorities.
“Public sector resources are to be prioritised according to the overall needs and although I don’t dispute that these streets require assistance, it will be unfair to channel funds on dictates without considering the bigger picture and initiatives,” he said.
Van Vuuren also said it is not easy to fix a pothole and think the municipality will pay for the service.
There are strict legal procedures to be followed in the allocation of funds including a procurement process.
“Anyone unilaterally repairing potholes without municipal approval or technical oversight is doing so at their own risk. Should any damage result from such repair work or subsequent to that on infrastructure which has been repaired without written permission, the insurance of the municipality will not cover it and the ‘welder’ will be liable for any legal claim. Should Agriforum wish to do repairs to these streets they are advised to consult with our Technical Services for the necessary permission, technical specifications and oversight. This applies to anyone who wants to repair a pothole. I will rather prefer a process of consultation than this confrontational approach,” Van Vuuren said.
“We are going ahead with this project and we invite the municipality to oversee our project, oversee the workmanship and quality thereof and advise us if necessary,” Esterhuizen said.
AfriForum calls on the community to show their support for the project by sending their name by SMS to 45350.
SMSs cost R1 per SMS.
