But their ‘zero tolerance’
escapades achieve nothing more than earning them extra commission
on the thousands of fines issued every holiday season.
Every year the death toll remains relatively unchanged.
I admit, my sight is not what it used
to be, but I find that the state of simple things like
the painted lane markings on our roads have been largely
neglected over the past 15 years.
Even in broad daylight, I struggle to see the lines on
some of the main roads and highways.
At night, I can hardly see them at all, and when it rains
at night, I cannot drive safely.
That’s just the lane markings.
 |
Potholes,
uneven surfaces, faded and damaged road signs, lights
not working and a general state of neglect surely
play a major role in driving safely and responsibly.
Or is it just me?
|
But, authorities often claim that there are not enough
funds to properly maintain our roads.
How can there be, when the salaries of
executive directors of the Road Traffic Management Corporation
were increased by 389% in 2009.
In 2008, these directors each earned R647 000.00.
In 2009 they earned R3-million each.
Other irregularities within the department
include
· R4.5-million spent on provincial workshops. (R1.5-million
was budgeted for this vague purpose.
· R1.3-million for the hire of private suites at
Ellis Park and Loftus Versfeld during the Confederations
Cup.
· R93-million in outstanding fines
· A myriad of further financial irregularities,
including improper tendering and procurement processes.
From a sample of 42 supplier payments selected, 24 did
not contain a requisition form.
Just another example of those in power
blatantly enriching themselves and having a ball, not
only at the monetary expense of the taxpayer, but also
at the expense of some of those taxpayers’ lives.
