I am a journalist for more than 26 years and specializes in politics, foreign affairs, defense and national security issues.

‘Gibo’ unveils DND’s thrust for ‘credible deterrent posture’ and disaster response

27 Jul 2023  |  businessmirror.com.ph  |  English  |  Disaster Response

Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. outlined the Department of National Defense's (DND) ongoing efforts to establish a 'credible deterrent posture' and enhance disaster response capabilities in the Philippines. Amidst overseeing the response to typhoon 'Egay,' Teodoro emphasized the importance of upgrading equipment, bridging modernization gaps, and improving the skills of defense personnel. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the DND to seek nontraditional partners and alliances to bolster defense and disaster preparedness, with a focus on technology and cyber sectors. The DND aims to foster cross-border investments in disruptive technologies and ensure a self-reliant defense program. Teodoro also highlighted the need for real-time information convergence and the welfare of military personnel. The Office of Civil Defense's role in providing reliable information during disasters was also discussed, along with the contributions of various government agencies such as the DILG, DOST, PHIVOLCS, PAGASA, DPWH, and DENR in preparedness and resiliency efforts.

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Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Department of the Interior Local Government (DILG) Department of National Defense (DND) Office of Civil Defense Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)

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Daniel Abugre Anyorigya is a multimedia journalist, wikipedian and environmentalist.

Enhancing Ghana’s Development: A case for an Integrated Ministry of Housing, Infrastructure & Planning

01 Mar 2024  |  Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana  |  English  |  Government Policy

Ghana is at a critical point in its development, requiring a shift in urban, rural, and regional planning. The proposal for a Ministry of Housing, Infrastructure & Planning aims to consolidate existing ministries to streamline efforts and attract private investment. This unified approach seeks to address the disjointed development pattern, particularly in cities like Accra, and foster sustainable growth. Historical inconsistencies in infrastructure planning highlight the need for a dedicated ministry to ensure cohesive development. The proposed ministry would play a crucial role in aligning real estate and infrastructure with community needs, leveraging private funds to address Ghana's infrastructure and housing deficit.

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Public Works Department Ministry of Housing, Infrastructure & Planning National Facilities Management Authority Ghana Infrastructure Investment Funds

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Rebecca Bird is an ethical multimedia journalist and news editor based in Newcastle, United Kingdom. She has more than 17 years of experience working on newspapers, news websites and radio stations in the UK and the Caribbean.

Rebecca has additional related skills in photography, videography, ...

Asylum services ‘hopelessly underfunded’ for next two years

21 Dec 2023  |  www.caymancompass.com  |  English  |  Legislative Reforms

The Cayman Islands' asylum services are projected to be significantly underfunded for the next two years, with only $668,000 budgeted annually for 2024 and 2025, compared to the $2.7 million spent in 2023. Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart criticized the budget as 'hopelessly underfunded,' while Charles Clifford, director of customs and border control, acknowledged the unpredictability of asylum costs. Legislative reforms have reduced the number of asylum seekers, but economic conditions in Cuba and other countries continue to pose challenges. Plans for a purpose-built facility for migrants are underway, though funding remains limited.

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Public Works Department Ministry of Border Control Cayman Islands Government Finance Committee His Majesty’s Cayman Islands Prison Service Attorney General’s Chambers

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Alexander Brand is a journalist based in Stellenbsoch, South Africa (near Cape Town). He currently works as a freelance writer and reporter for The South African (www.thesouthafrican.com). Before that, he spent three years at his community newspaper DieMatie (www.diematie.com).

Fewer deaths on Western Cape roads, but over R11m in traffic fines issued in a week

11 Jan 2022  |  www.news24.com  |  English  |  Public Safety

Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services issued nearly 12,000 fines totaling just under R11.5 million last week. Despite increased traffic volumes, road deaths in the province decreased from 32 to 25. Transport and Public Works MEC Daylin Mitchell attributed this improvement to the continuous efforts of provincial traffic services, which conducted 310 integrated roadblocks and other operations, stopping and checking nearly 40,000 vehicles. The department also impounded 51 vehicles and arrested 54 individuals, including 23 for drunk driving. Mitchell urged road users to be responsible as the province prepares for the new academic year and return to work.

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Department of Transport and Public Works Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services

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Marvin Charles is a journalist based in Cape Town, South Africa. Writer for Independent Media for various titles such as Cape Argus, Cape Times and Independent Online (IOL)

Castle of Good Hope eviction 'is happening soon', says Cape Town mayor

30 Oct 2024  |  www.news24.com  |  English  |  Urban Decay

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis announced the imminent eviction of homeless people living outside the Castle of Good Hope, following an eviction order obtained by the Department of Public Works from the Western Cape High Court. The eviction, initially set for 17 October, has been delayed but is expected to occur soon. The City of Cape Town is tasked with providing alternative accommodation for the displaced individuals. The mayor expressed regret over the prolonged process and highlighted the urban decay around the historic site. A recent fire near the castle displaced five people, though no injuries were reported.

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City of Cape Town Department of Public Works Western Cape High Court

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Lyse Comins is a freelance journalist and content creator in Durban South Africa.  She covers, business, consumer and social rights, breaking news and health as well as business to business communications for clients across South Africa. Her work has been  has published in The Mercury, Freight and ...

Urban decay and infrastructure projects to be fast-tracked, says Macpherson

23 Oct 2024  |  mg.co.za  |  English  |  Tourism

South Africa is grappling with an infrastructure crisis, prompting the Department of Public Works, led by Minister Dean Macpherson, to fast-track projects addressing urban decay and derelict buildings. A new partnership with local entities aims to boost tourism in eThekwini, despite challenges like crime and inadequate infrastructure. The government is also tackling hijacked buildings and exploring ways to enhance tourism, including potential Blue Flag status for beaches. The tourism sector, represented by Fedhasa, is keen to collaborate on repurposing state-owned buildings and anticipates improvements in the tourism environment due to government pressure on municipalities.

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Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa Department of Public Works eThekwini metro Infrastructure South Africa

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Kerry Dimmer is an award-winning freelance journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Winner of the Diageo Best Infrastructure Feature of the Year 2010, and 2013 SAPOA Property Feature Journalist of the Year. Focuses on current affairs in Africa.

Affordable rental market White Paper

31 Dec 2022  |  www.privateproperty.co.za  |  English  |  Public-Private Partnerships

The National Infrastructure Plan (NIP) 2050 Phase Two, gazetted by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, aims to achieve inclusive growth in South Africa by focusing on housing, roads, health, and education. The plan encourages public-private partnerships and urban densification. TUHF21, through its uMaStandi subsidiary, supports the plan, emphasizing the need for government cooperation with private sector partners to provide affordable housing in townships. Key challenges include town planning procedures and support for micro-developers. The successful implementation of the plan hinges on collaboration across government levels and sectors.

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National Department of Human Settlements Department of Public Works and Infrastructure National Home Builders Registration Council

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Sema Fonkem is a multimedia journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa. 
Fonkem has been practicing uninterrupted since 2022. His professional career kicked off as a freelance multimedia consultant, Public Relations Officer, Researcher and Writer. Fonkem communicates in both French and English ...

Dean Macpherson Goes After Stolen R300 Million

01 Oct 2023  |  Orgella Entertainment - Informative. Empowering. Entertaining  |  English  |  Government

Newly appointed minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, emphasizes the urgent need to address cybersecurity issues within the department and the country. He revealed that approximately R300 million has been stolen by cybercriminals over the past decade and announced a detailed forensic investigation to trace the funds and apprehend the culprits. Macpherson, a member of the Democratic Alliance, vows to combat corruption and cyber-attacks, reclaim hijacked buildings, and eliminate pit toilets in public schools. South Africa ranks among the top eight countries targeted by cybercriminals, with recent incidents including a data breach in the South African National Defence Force and a ransomware attack on Johannesburg City Power.

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Department of Public Works and Infrastructure South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research South African National Defence Force Johannesburg City Power South African Police Service Democratic Alliance

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I'm a five-time Emmy nominated journalist with extensive experience in television, radio and multimedia news. I'm adept at live breaking news and packaged stories. My reports have been featured by Deutsche Welle, Reuters Broadcast, CBC, BBC, NPR, VOA and Time.com. I have my own equipment and can ...

Victims’ Families Call for New Investigation Into Deadly Malaysian Landslide

11 Oct 2023  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Government Accountability

Families of victims from a deadly December landslide in Malaysia and an environmental expert criticize a 141-page government report for lacking credibility and failing to address key questions. The landslide, which killed 31 people at a campsite on Father’s Organic Farm in Batang Kali, was attributed to slope failure after heavy rainfall. Critics argue the report did not investigate why the farm and campsite were allowed to operate in a risky location and did not clarify which government body authorized the development. Calls for a Royal Commission of Inquiry are growing, as the current report is seen as flawed and self-serving, particularly in absolving the Public Works Department of responsibility.

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Ministry of Works Public Works Department Hulu Selangor District Council Selangor State Executive Council Local Government Development Ministry Father’s Organic Farm Malaysia Botanical Gardens Resort

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Ihsaan Haffejee is a multimedia journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa. With a focus on visual journalism using photography and video to document stories from South Africa.

Liquidators told FNB to stop payments as Zuma defaults on VBS loan

21 Mar 2024  |  DispatchLIVE  |  English  |  Legal Issues

Former president Jacob Zuma continues to default on a multimillion-rand loan from the now-defunct VBS Mutual Bank, leading to a court order instructing FNB to partially freeze his account. VBS Mutual Bank liquidator Anoosh Rooplal has been attempting to recover the debt since 2018, with a 2022 court ruling allowing the bank to attach Zuma's assets. The loan was taken in 2016 following a Constitutional Court order for Zuma to repay state funds used for non-security upgrades at his Nkandla residence. The public protector's report during Thuli Madonsela's tenure highlighted irregular expenditures, significantly exceeding initial estimates.

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Department of Public Works High Court National Treasury

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****

Bruce Harrison is a freelance journalist living in Seoul, South Korea. 

He has filed stories about the Koreas from politics to security to sports for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Voice of America, Rivet Radio and others. 

Bruce spent three years as a copy-editor and anchor ...

City moves closer to new pedestrian mall on near south side

05 Dec 2023  |  www.tmj4.com  |  English  |  Local Government

The Milwaukee City Plan Commission has approved an ordinance to create a pedestrian mall on S. 24th Street, which will feature a park with plants, trees, and a turf soccer field. The project, led by the MPS Department of Facilities and Maintenance Services, has received support from local residents and officials, including Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa. Concerns about parking and maintenance have been addressed, and the plan awaits further approval before construction bidding can begin.

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Department of Public Works MPS Department of Facilities and Maintenance Services Milwaukee City Plan Commission Don & Sallie Davis Boys & Girls Club Rogers Street Academy Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District

Shuchita is a freelance journalist currently based in France. After working with The Times of India in India for 4 years, she moved to France to explore new cultures. Having expertise in beats like Women and Child Development, Culture, Travel and Education she is now working on these issues and ...

Narendra Modi to ‘launch’ cheetahs into Kuno-Palpur on his birthday

17 Sept 2022  |  www.downtoearth.org.in  |  English  |  Biodiversity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will oversee the first global intercontinental translocation of African cheetahs from Namibia to Kuno-Palpur National Park in India on his 72nd birthday, September 17, 2022. The cheetahs, consisting of four males and four females, will be transported in specially designed crates and will first land at Jaipur International Airport before being airlifted to Kuno. Preparations at Kuno include the construction of a fenced enclosure and the introduction of 238 chitals to increase the prey base. Efforts are ongoing to capture a sub-adult leopard within the enclosure. A team from South Africa is currently assessing the preparations, and a memorandum of understanding will be signed once they are satisfied. Modi will also meet a women’s self-help group in Sheopur district during his visit.

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Public Works Department National Tiger Conservation Authority of India Office of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Prime Minister’s Office Kuno National Park Pench Wildlife Sanctuary Narsingarh Wildlife Sanctuary South African government

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Rachel Kester is a journalist based in Chesterfield, Virginia. She covers topics ranging from the environment to culture and has written for publications such as the Richmond Time-Dispatch, Sierra Magazine, Virginia Living and Earth Island Journal.

When It Rains, It Pours

11 Nov 2024  |  www.styleweekly.com  |  English  |  Infrastructure

Richmond faces increasing flooding challenges due to climate change and urban development, exacerbated by its location along the James River. Historical storms have highlighted the city's vulnerability, with infrastructure like the aging sewage system and floodwalls struggling to cope. Efforts to mitigate flooding include nature-based solutions such as living shorelines and green infrastructure projects at public libraries. Local initiatives encourage residents to adopt practices like planting trees and using rain barrels to manage stormwater. The James River Association and city departments are actively working to address these issues, aiming to protect the community and environment.

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Richmond Public Library Richmond Department of Public Utilities Richmond Department of Public Works James River Association FEMA Plan RVA

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Sarah Ktisti is a journalist based in Santiago and Punta Arenas, Chile.

Long-term strategies discussed for road development in Paphos

12 May 2023  |  Cyprus Mail  |  English  |  Local Government

Long-term strategies for road development in Paphos were discussed between Transport Minister Alexis Vafeadis and local council representatives. Key issues included the unification of archaeological sites, road maintenance, and the relocation of a public works warehouse. The government previously signed a contract with Greek company Intrakat for an €86.8m project to construct a new road between Ayia Marinouda and Stroumpi, aimed at improving connectivity and economic growth in northern Paphos. The project includes significant infrastructure such as tunnels, bridges, and additional lanes to ease traffic.

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Department of Public Works Transport Ministry

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Aswin Nandakumar is a journalist based in Kerala, India.

Sewage Woes Continue to Plague Mayanad Residents

05 Apr 2023  |  The New Indian Express  |  English  |  Public Health

The article by Aswin Nandakumar discusses the longstanding issue of sewage management in Mayanad, Kozhikode, where residents are facing health and environmental problems due to the inefficiency of the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital's (KMCH) sewage treatment plant. Despite a High Court order in 2008, the plant commissioned in 2015 has insufficient capacity, leading to untreated wastewater contaminating local water bodies. The Public Works Department (PWD) has attempted to address the issue with a new collection tank, but problems persist with the system's efficiency. The principal of KMCH, Dr. VR Rajendran, expresses optimism about resolving the issue through the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (Amrut) project. However, local residents, including the Mayanad Parisara Malineekarana Nirmarjana Samithi (MPMNS), have lost hope after decades of seeking justice.

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Institute of Maternity and Child Health (IMCH) Public Works Department (PWD) Mayanad Parisara Malineekarana Nirmarjana Samithi (MPMNS) Sree Nochippurath Vishnu Temple

Freelance journalist living in NY.  Some samples of my work are available at ****.

U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz leads the way for the Army in energy savings

07 Oct 2024  |  www.army.mil  |  English  |  European Energy Crisis

U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz achieved the highest energy savings in the U.S. Army in 2023, contributing significantly to the Resilient Energy Funding for Readiness and Modernization. The garrison's success is attributed to collective efforts in energy conservation, with special recognition given to the Department of Public Works Army Energy and Water Management Team. This achievement underscores the importance of sustainable practices in enhancing Army readiness and addressing global energy challenges.

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Department of Public Works Army Energy and Water Management Team U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz U.S. Army Materiel Command

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I am a digitally savvy journalist and editor with a keen interest in collaborations, tracking political promises and solutions journalism. I recently completed a certificate course in investigative journalism from Wits. In my freelance career I have focused on cross-platform editing, project ...

ANC scores one out of seven for promises kept since elections

01 Oct 2023  |  www.citizen.co.za  |  English  |  Election Promises

The African National Congress (ANC) has fulfilled only one out of seven key promises made in its 2014 election manifesto, according to Africa Check. The promises assessed include expanding public works programs, eliminating the backlog of title deeds, connecting homes to the electricity grid, installing solar water heaters, establishing a National Health Insurance Fund, and doubling the number of people on antiretrovirals. The ANC met its commitment to open two new universities but fell short on the other six promises, with significant shortfalls in work opportunities, title deed transfers, electricity connections, solar water heater installations, and antiretroviral treatments. The National Health Insurance Fund has also not been established, with delays attributed to the legislative process.

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Department of Health Department of Mineral Resources and Energy Department of Human Settlements Department of Public Works and Infrastructure African National Congress Africa Check National Treasury

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Holly Quan is a journalist based in Martinez, United States of America.

San Francisco prepares for atmospheric river, learns from past storm

06 Mar 2023  |  www.audacy.com  |  English  |  Preparedness for Atmospheric River

San Francisco is preparing for a potential atmospheric river by learning from recent experiences with massive rainstorms. The city had previously run out of sandbags during storms around New Year's Eve, but is now restocking and limiting distribution to city residents and businesses. The San Francisco Department of Public Works is taking proactive measures, such as clearing drains and checking for weak trees, to mitigate the impact of the expected heavy rains. Residents are encouraged to help by clearing drains and reporting any dangerous tree situations to the city's services.

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San Francisco Department of Public Works KCBS Radio

Juan Salinas is a journalist based in Trujillo, La Libertad, Perú.

City of Dallas prepares for icy road conditions with new strategy

06 Dec 2023  |  www.keranews.org  |  English  |  Municipal Services

Dallas is adopting a proactive brine pre-treatment for icy roads to enhance protection against freezing, as announced by the Department of Public Works. This method is more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional de-icing techniques. The treatment will be applied to DART bus routes, prioritizing public safety areas such as bridges, overpasses, and hospitals, but will not be used on DART rail routes or TxDOT highways. Last year's DART shutdown due to icy conditions prompted this new approach.

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Department of Public Works Dallas Area Rapid Transit Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

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Adina Solomon is a journalist based in Atlanta, United States of America. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, U.S. News & World Report, The Atlantic's CityLab, Fast Company, Smithsonian Magazine, Vice's Broadly, and local Atlanta outlets. Before freelancing, she worked as an editor at ...

The tech worker shortage is hitting local governments hard. Here’s what some are doing about it.

01 Oct 2023  |  www.smartcitiesdive.com  |  English  |  Employment Strategies

Local governments are struggling to hire tech workers, facing competition from higher-paying private companies. San Jose, California, has seen a significant drop in applicants and is exploring flexible scheduling and improved job postings to attract talent. Kansas City, Missouri, is partnering with local organizations and universities to create a pipeline of tech workers, focusing on digital equity. South Bend, Indiana, successfully collaborated with the University of Notre Dame to address sewer overflow issues, demonstrating the potential of leveraging educational institutions for tech-intensive projects.

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South Bend Public Works University of Notre Dame San Jose IT Department Kansas City Government aSTEAM Village

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I am a multi-award-winning photojournalist and filmmaker based in Cape Town, South Africa. I focus on social issues in South Africa and abroad – particularly crime and conflict. My work has appeared in publications such as The Guardian, VICE, Al Jazeera, TIME, Roads & Kingdoms, Rolling Stone SA, ...

Pomfret, possibly the most depressing town in SA

01 Oct 2023  |  www.citizen.co.za  |  English  |  Public Health

Pomfret, a former asbestos mine camp in South Africa's North West province, faces severe socioeconomic decline and health risks due to asbestos contamination. Originally settled by Angolan soldiers and their families, the town's residents have seen a steady erosion of services since the military base closed in 2000. Government relocation plans have been slow and controversial, with many residents feeling abandoned and stigmatized. The town's military heritage and association with apartheid-era abuses further complicate its future, leaving its remaining residents in a state of limbo and despair.

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Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Department of Public Works 32 Battalion South African Defence Force ANC DA Eskom SA Army Foundation

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Hi, I'm Katriona Thompson. I'm a Senior Video Producer at Metro.co.uk with an interest in documentary, explainers and video essays. I'm based in London, and proficient in Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects.

How a changing climate brings new challenges for keeping Massachusetts roads clear from snow and ice

07 Dec 2023  |  www.wcvb.com  |  English  |  Public Safety

The city of Worcester's Department of Public Works and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation are facing new challenges in keeping roads clear from snow and ice due to a changing climate. The variability in weather conditions requires a scientific approach to pre-treatment and salting, with strategies adapted to real-time data from sensors. Jay Fink, commissioner of Public Works in Worcester, and Jonathan Gulliver, MassDOT highway administrator, discuss the complexities of winter road maintenance and the importance of the right mix of materials to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.

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Worcester Department of Public Works (DPW) Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)

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Buks Viljoen is a journalist based in Nelspruit, South Africa. After matric in 1976, I joined the former South-African Defence Force (SADF). In September 1979 I was involved in a serious accident while serving in the army which left me paralized. After my accident, for a short stint, I was involved ...

Mpumalanga High Court locked down

08 Nov 2024  |  www.citizen.co.za  |  English  |  Public Safety

The Mpumalanga High Court faces a potential lockdown due to non-compliance with a prohibition order from the Department of Labour, which found the building's structural integrity compromised. Despite the order, the Department of Justice continued operations, leading the Public Servants Association to file a non-compliance case. The Department of Labour insists on immediate evacuation, citing health and safety concerns, while the Department of Justice's illegal occupancy of the building remains unresolved.

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City of Mbombela Department of Public Works and Infrastructure Public Servants Association Department of Labour Department of Justice Independent Development Trust

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Cody Weddle is a freelance journalist currently in Bogota, Colombia, but he has covered Venezuela for nearly five years.  He has covered Colombia and Venezuela from a variety of angles for print, radio, and TV outlets. He was worked with WPLG-TV, ABC Miami; the Miami Herald; NBC News, the BBC, Al ...

Miami homeowner believes fiber optic line was installed underneath her home without consent

28 Oct 2023  |  www.local10.com  |  English  |  Internet Infrastructure

In Miami's Silver Bluff neighborhood, long-time resident Linda Alger is upset after discovering that a fiber optic line was installed under her property without her consent. The installation, carried out by Hotwire Communications, has led to property damage and disruptions. The City of Miami’s Public Works Department confirmed that no approved permit was found for the work, and a notice of violation was issued to Hotwire Communications. Alger demands the removal of the line from her property, and city officials are investigating the situation.

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City of Miami’s Public Works Department

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