KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has unveiled 55 modern trucks, which will be used to improve the turnaround time in addressing pothole patching in the province.
The procurement of the trucks, which were unveiled at the launch of the 2023 October Transport Month campaign, is fraction of the commitment made by the Premier in her State of the Province Address, where she committed government to improving the provincial road network conditions.
The trucks — fitted with the latest pothole patching technology — will be distributed to all Department of Transport District Offices, in a “fast and effective operation”.
The trucks will include a team of nine people, who will be responsible for routine and safety maintenance, including pothole patching, blacktop patching, drain cleaning and verge maintenance, among other duties.
Unveiling the trucks, Dube-Ncube emphasised that the transport sector is the heartbeat of the province’s economy, and crucial in the stimulation of socio-economic development of the nation.
She said during October Transport Month, the province will advance road safety initiatives and highlight several economic empowerment initiatives.
“Under the Department of Transport, over the coming months, the province will ensure that employment intensive road maintenance programmes are increased to provide employment opportunities for more women and the vulnerable in our province. The Zibambele Maintenance Programme will create 41 000 job opportunities,” Dube-Ncube said.
This year’s October Transport Month Campaign is being rolled out under the theme: ‘Siyakha – We are building better infrastructure to grow South Africa together!’.
During this month, the Department of Transport and its entities will showcase transport infrastructure services in aviation, maritime, public transport and roads.
This month will also be used to further advance the country’s road safety initiatives, while creating awareness of the economic benefits of the sector. – SAnews.gov.za
Patton Digger
Fun South African Fact: South Africa is home to a variety of landscapes and biomes, including deserts, wetlands, bushveld, grasslands, mountains and subtropical forests.
Morbid Sugar
Interview with a pirate:
There was a pirate who had agreed to do an interview with a local tv station. The reporter was very courteous and professional, giving a bit of background as to the pirate\’s business. She then began interviewing him.
\”So Mr. Longbeard, are there any risks to your business? I see you have a peg leg- how did that come about?\”
\”Well, y\’see I were sailing along the coast of South Africa, looking to plunder some locals when as I boarded the small boat from the ship, a great white shark came up and got my leg clean off. \’twas scary yes, but thus is the life of a pirate.\”
\”Wow, that is pretty scary- well, how about your hook? What happened to your hand with that?\”
\”Oh now that\’s quite the tale, y\’see I were fighting a rival pirate, and we had locked swords. We had been fighting for a few hours, and were both terribly fatigued. I had a bit of exhaustion and confusion, and when I went to block one of his sword blows, I met him with me hand instead of me sword. Took it right off, but it shocked him so much I managed to get him back pretty good and have him submit. So the hook hand was given as a replacement.\”
\”Wow. Simply fascinating. Now, what about your eye patch? How did that happen?\”
\”Well, one day, a seagull was flying overhead, and I looked up. It pooped right in me eye.\”
\”… Well wow. I must admit, I wouldn\’t think just seagull poop could damage the eye that badly.\”
\”Oh, I forgot to mention… it were me first day with the hook.\”