The Bosele Concerned Residents Committee Secretary Peter Mogapi explained that the response did not answer the concerns raised in the petition.
The brief response stated that closure of Legolo Road was not an option, though the GCC is aware of the problem. The dusty road has been put on the list of priority projects for the year 2004-5.
The GCC letter explained that due to budget constraints, funds are not available start to the project.
Mogapi explained that the response forwarded to them by the GCC was not explanatory in that it just said closing the road was not an option.
Residents in the area say that the gravel road which leads to Maharaj and the Bull and Bush from Broadhurst Industrial has become a problem because of the thick cloud of dust that emanates from it.
The road has become busy as vehicles use it to avoid the heavy traffic on the Nelson Mandela highway. Residents say that they have a hard time keeping their houses, curtains and linen clean.
They are worried that the dust might be a health hazard and the speeding vehicles pose a danger to their children.
Mogapi told Mmegi that one of the answers he wanted to get from the Mayor was the logic behind tarring the road that leads to Broadhurst Industrial, excluding the residential area.
“Is it because they do not care about the lives of people?” he asked.
He explained that the condition of the road has worsened in recent years. A member of the committee, Julius Mathiba told Mmegi that he had been fighting for the road to be improved since 1984.
He said Bosele residents have implored the GCC to improve the road and the decision to opt for closure was taken after the Council failed to address the concerns raised by residents.
He explained that some residents are very angry about the lack of urgency in solving the problem so much that they contemplate taking action.
“They are talking about putting trees on the road, or digging ditches to prevent drivers from passing through,” he said.
Mathiba together with the committee secretary said they however persuaded the residents to follow the right channels.
The petition from Bosele residents was supported by the Bull and Bush management and other organisations.
Mothei denied the media entrance at the meeting he held with the residents, saying it was an exclusive affair.
