Weighbridges in Northern Cape on brink of collapse

THE NORTHERN Cape Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison stated that it would refurbish the weighbridges on the N1 and N12 roads this financial year, following concerns over the deteriorating state of weighbridges in the Province.

The DA provincial spokesperson for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Reinette Liebenberg, stated that only the Springbok weighbridge was in operation.

“All but one Northern Cape weighbridge has fallen into utter disrepair, resulting in low revenue collection for the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison,” said Liebenberg.

She added that the Kimberley weighbridge was exposed and enclosures and building materials had been stolen and vandalised. “The air conditioner has also seemingly been vandalised in the office on the property.

“The only operable weighbridge is situated in Springbok on the N7, while the remaining two in Colesberg and Upington are in a similar state as the Kimberley weighbridge.”

Liebenberg questioned why exorbitant amounts of money were being spent on sourcing quotes.

“The department revealed that the current budget only makes provision for annual calibration and cannot carry the costs of repairs and updating technology at these sites. They further claim that R8 million is needed to repair weighbridges in the Province. The costing does not match up with going rates stipulated on the quotes.”

She stated that in the absence of functional weighbridges, roads would continue to deteriorate under overloaded and heavy-duty vehicles.

“Illegal substances will also continue crossing our borders without proper inspections conducted at weighbridges.

“The condition of weighbridges also negatively affects the Province’s revenue collection capacity,” she pointed out.

Northern Cape Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison spokesperson Rennie Andrias accused the DA of grandstanding.

“The department in good faith reported the state of our weighbridges to the portfolio committee in the legislature. We explained to the portfolio committee the work we are doing to remedy the situation,” said Andrias.

“The MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Bently Vass, during his budget speech, announced that the department envisages to refurbish the weighbridge on the N1 and N12 during the current financial year.”

Andrias said they would refurbish the weighbridge on the N1 in Colesberg and the Kimberley weighbridge situated on the N12 to Johannesburg, while noting that the Upington weighbridge had been vandalised. He added that the Springbok weighbridge was fully functional.

“We continue to have road traffic law enforcement officers on the roads to ensure that heavy-duty vehicles comply with the law.”

Andrias added that October Transport Month would be launched on the Kimberley weighbridge on Monday.