The Greater Tzaneen inches towards ‘lesser’ Tzaneen, writes resident

He calls for responsible maintenance and development in Tzaneen and to prioritise renovation over expansion. I write with a heavy heart to draw attention to the concerning state of our beloved town, Tzaneen. It is disheartening to witness the gradual decay that has befallen our once-vibrant community due to neglect and lack of maintenance. I implore both local authorities and fellow citizens to take action before the charm of our town is lost forever as the case is with our surrounding towns.

The decay is evident in numerous aspects of our daily lives. Residents are grappling with the distressing reality of insufficient water supply caused by daily leaks and bursts in aging pipes. Families are forced to endure water shortages, a basic necessity, as we find ourselves in the unfortunate position of having houses without water on a daily basis. This is a crisis that cannot be allowed to persist, and immediate measures must be taken to remedy this situation.

The ongoing leak crisis paints a vivid picture of misplaced priorities. What good is fixing leaks today if we are met with new leaks right next to them tomorrow? The constant patchwork approach seems like a never-ending cycle that drains resources without addressing the root cause. The question becomes whether we are allocating our funds in the most prudent manner. Perhaps it is time to shift our focus from temporary fixes to comprehensive renovations that will provide lasting solutions to our infrastructure woes.

While load shedding has been a significant challenge, the frequent absence of electricity due to cable theft exacerbates our predicament. Tzaneen is reeling under the weight of power outages, further crippling businesses, households, and essential services. We must unite to counteract the criminal activities that disrupt our town’s power supply and seek solutions that will guarantee a consistent electricity supply for our residents.

The sense of security has deteriorated drastically due to the surge in daily burglaries. The constant threat of break-ins has instilled fear among citizens, curbing their freedom to leave their homes unattended during nights and weekends. It is imperative that our law enforcement agencies bolster their efforts to safeguard our community and bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice.
I wish to draw attention to an extremely hazardous situation on Dr Anneke Street, just past the bridge and the turnoff to the prison.

The guardrails in this area are so deteriorated that they offer no protection to vehicles, endangering the lives of countless motorists. Urgent intervention is needed to repair these guardrails and ensure the safety of our roads. Moreover, the state of most of our roads is deplorable. Many roads have deteriorated to the point where normal vehicles can barely use them. This not only compromises the safety of drivers but also has economic implications as the condition of the roads hampers the flow of goods and services in our town.

In recent times, I find myself baffled by the priorities of our town as I witness a multitude of new houses and buildings springing up amidst a cloud of sewage-scented air. It begs the question: Should we not first address the existing deterioration within our town before embarking on expansive new construction projects? Is it not the responsibility of our local authorities to renovate our beloved Tzaneen before allowing a rapid increase of new structures?

The air tainted with the smell of sewage in Aqua Park and other parts of town is a stark reminder of the challenges we face daily. It raises concerns about the quality of life for our citizens and the environment we inhabit. While development is vital for progress, it is disheartening to witness the contrasting effect of new construction against the backdrop of a town in decline. Would it not be prudent to prioritize the well-being of current residents and enhance the infrastructure they rely upon before committing resources to new development?

Before allowing new buildings to rise, let us advocate for a systematic and thoughtful approach. Let us demand that our town’s foundation be fortified, its infrastructure rehabilitated, and its citizens’ well-being prioritized. Development should not come at the cost of the town’s character and quality of life. It is possible to achieve both revitalization and expansion if we invest our energy, resources and vision in the right direction.

Lastly, the perplexing situation regarding the maintenance of the play park near Minitzani has left us confused. Local businesses had selflessly undertaken the necessary maintenance work, only to face obstacles in the form of removed billboards and restrictions on their involvement. It is crucial that transparency and collaboration prevail in matters of public interest, allowing community members to contribute positively without undue hindrance.

I echo the sentiment that the Greater Tzaneen seems to be inching toward the unfortunate fate of the “lesser” Tzaneen. The signs of deterioration are becoming increasingly apparent, and we must acknowledge this reality before it spirals beyond control. Our town, once vibrant and proud, deserves better than this trajectory. The transformation of Tzaneen from a place of promise to one marred by neglect is a fate we must collectively strive to avert.

In conclusion, let us implore our local authorities and community leaders to re-evaluate the path we are on. Tzaneen’s potential remains boundless, but it is in our hands to ensure that this potential is realized. Let us not allow the deterioration of our town to continue unchecked. Instead, let us embark on a journey of rejuvenation that will secure a brighter future for generations to come. It is up to us to ensure that its legacy shines brightly for generations to come.