It’s a jungle out there … in the CBD

In the final months of 2024, a burst water pipe near the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court was only partially repaired. Although the pipe was fixed, the pavement was never restored.

To date, the sidewalk remains unpaved, and overgrown plants have taken over, some standing over a metre tall.

Cliff Fourie, a car guard at the court, believes the plants thrived due to sand used to cover the exposed pavement and the recent excessive rainfall.

“This poses a significant safety risk because I can’t properly patrol or monitor parked cars,” Fourie explained.

“But the bigger issue is that people, especially those going to court, hide dangerous objects, like drugs and weapons, in the overgrowth.”

He also mentioned the overgrowth obstructs parking spaces, making it difficult for residents to park.

“All of this could have been avoided if the pavement had been restored after the pipe repairs,” he added.

“There’s been no sign of the municipality fixing the sidewalk or cutting the plants.”

The Krugersdorp News contacted Adrian Amod, communications officer for Mogale City Local Municipality. Amod clarified that the initial pavement restoration took place after the first repair in November, but a second burst reopened the sidewalk.

“We are monitoring the situation to avoid replacing the pavement only to have it reopened in the event of another burst,” Amod explained. He added that the plants would be cleared once the monitoring phase was complete, paving the way for full sidewalk restoration.

“Monitoring is crucial at this stage, as a complete replacement of the pipeline may be necessary. This could have unforeseen budget implications,” Amod concluded.