More coordination required from council staff

NOT more than 10 days ago, the council’s contractors completed the resealing and tidyingup of pavements in lower Belford St, the first time works had gone beyond ‘‘patchesonpatches’’ in our 52 years of residence in the street.

A few days ago, without any prior warning that we were aware of, a team of linemen began removing and replacing a power pole opposite our front gate.

While we are thankful for both of these works after more than half a century of persistent neglect, we now have, on the opposite side of the street, a smooth sealed pavement, with a concrete pole in place, surrounded at its base by a small mound of rubble, which on the strength of past council performance, is likely to become a permanent fixture.

A workman could prewarn us, that a number of poles further up our street are tagged for replacement in the near future. Will this mess be left behind at the base of each of them?

What I fail to understand is why there cannot be better coordination of these works, so that such messups do not take place.

The ad hoc nature of council planning, when such works are undertaken, has given rise to a public perception that each agency ‘‘goes its own sweet way’’ when such works are scheduled, and to hell with everyone else. I find this view to be widespread. It does not inspire confidence on any level. Ian Smith

Waverley

[Dunedin City Council transport group manager Richard Saunders replies:

‘‘Dunedin City Council contractors are required to liaise with Aurora to better coordinate the large works programme occurring across the city.

In general, this approach works well, but unfortunately in this instance the coordination did not occur, which has led to the power pole replacement occurring after the new footpath was installed.

Staff are following up with the contractor to ensure there is better coordination in the future.

The finish at the base of the new pole will be inspected by DCC staff. Initially the finish is gravel while settling occurs.

Following this, Aurora contractors revisit the site to reinstate the bottom of the poles as asphalt.’’]

Margaret Cruickshank

MY thanks to Mike Houlahan for his excellent feature (ODT, 23.11.18) about a wonderful pioneering woman.

Dr Margaret Cruickshank was a talented and inspiring woman who laid a pathway for young woman to follow.

There was no sign of complaining and certainly no protesting marches which are so common with today’s young women.

This woman had an almost insurmountable goal which she achieved ‘‘in spades’’ and left a wonderful legacy for others to follow.

Congratulations to the citizens of Waimate for recognising and celebrating this young doctor’s life so emphatically.

Marion Potter

Mornington

BIBLE READING: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him . . . Romans 15:13