Can someone please tell me what’s the plan?

Dear Sir,

Allow me to ask through the medium of your newspaper, to anyone of influence who’s listening, “What’s the PLAN?”

I recently read an article outlining the state of traffic bridges in Gauteng. The article stated that less than six percent of Johannesburg’s 902 bridges are in good condition, and that to repair and upgrade the rest would cost an estimated R16 billion.

In fact, it was reported that 702 of the city’s bridges are in “very poor condition”, and that 20 of them are on the brink of closure. I was driving in Gauteng in December and January and I cannot imagine the traffic congestion that would result from the closure of even one bridge, let alone 20 … let’s not even think of 702!

The other alarming thing is that the report was based on outdated data, and the situation may be worse, far worse than the article suggests.

Yes, bridges in Johannesburg are not an immediate concern for Kimberley residents, though we have to be cognisant of the fact that a good deal of goods are transported our way from Gauteng.

Had the country’s railways been utilised for the transport of goods as in more developed countries, this would have been less of a concern. Speaking of which, how nice would it have been if more goods were transported by rail, meaning fewer heavy trucks on our country’s roads?

But our country’s rail transport system seems to be all but completely dismantled in favour of heavy, unwieldy pantechnicons on our national roads that can make everyday and especially holiday travel a nightmare.

However, bridges and trucks are but two problems. And though I don’t mean to burden you nor your readers, I do believe that some things need to be said.

What about education and employment?

For example, our schools, colleges and universities are churning out loads of “educated” young people each year, and yet these young people cannot find employment. Could it be that the focus on producing graduates with impressive degrees from an inferior education system – where qualifications are not worth the paper they are printed on – is working against our youth?

Teaching and encouraging trades, having a skilled and efficient workforce, young people with the ability to do, build, and fix things could be a step in the right direction … but that would only be relevant if there was the slightest inclination to fix this country.

My heart goes out to all our educated youth with impressive qualifications and nowhere to apply themselves.

And in the meantime, time marches on and things go on as usual.

Will the electricity and water problems in South Africa ever be resolved? I mean, will there ever be a day in Kimberley when households without outdoor water tanks can finally discard the dozens of water storage containers cluttering their homes, knowing there is a reliable supply of water from the taps?

Sadly, it seems as if there is little desire from the top of this stinking pile to turn things around. Large salaries and generous benefits for those in the upper echelons of power seem to have dulled the sense of urgency to turn things around for the ‘gogo’ who has to fill her cistern some days from a bucket, or spend her meagre pennies on candles or paraffin, just to have some light in the evenings.

Is there a plan to make her life better? Do our youth have something to look forward to? Is our supply of goods from crumbling cities assured for the next decade at least?

Honestly guys … what’s the plan?

Yours in frustration,

A concerned Kimberlite

…

* Letters are very lightly edited for clarity and to comply with the DFA’s style.

** Do you have something on your mind? We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, opinions, or experiences by submitting a Letter to the Editor. Your voice matters and could inspire or inform others in our community. Submit your letter via e-mail to info.dfa@acm.co.za and you could see your words featured in the DFA.