Traffic office repairs finished
New computers must still be delivered
The Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality traffic department offices in Owen Street will soon return to normal services after the building had to be refurbished.
Municipal spokesperson Lonwabo Kowa said the work had been completed and the department was now awaiting new computers from the department of transport.
The contractor appointed to refurbish the office after it was gutted by a fire in October 2021, redid the roof, ceiling and partitioning, electrical work, air conditioning, door fixing, painting, glazing and floor covering.
The fire was reported to authorities, according to Kowa.
“This incident led to a situation where services which include bookings of driving and learners licences, renewal of vehicle licences and roadworthy tests were halted,” Kowa said.
“Customers were redirected to other municipal offices in Tarkastad, Whittlesea and Molteno.
“To assist customers in the interim, the traffic department took a limited number in the Komani office and used the department of transport offices to process customer services.”
Portfolio head for public safety Zukiswa Ralane said: “The situation led to a dire loss of revenue for the municipality and insufficient services for customers.
“We are now waiting for the department of transport to send us new computers with the relevant systems and everything will be back to normal. We have also beefed-up security in the building to protect our assets and our employees from intruders.”
Kowa said an announcement on when normal services would resume, would be made soon.