In some areas, like Papkuilsfontein, it’s been more than a year since Umtshezi Municipality has tended to the grass cutting. But in most parts of the town, overgrown verges are a common sight.

With the abundant rainfall and warm summer days, the grass growth speeds up, leaving many areas looking like a jungle. This is not only limited to residential and central business district (CBD) areas, but is also visible in recreational areas, like Lambert Park, where the grass is knee-high.

Umtshezi Municipality was called on to advise readers as to when the verges will be cut and Acting Municipal Manager Elphas Dladla responded by saying that grass cutting has begun in some areas. He says that areas like Bangladesh (Forderville), Drakensview and the CBD have already been serviced.

Mr Dladla added that the municipality is also maintaining the parks “as part of our routine” but did not mention which parks these are. “Rains are now coming down regularly but we are keeping up with grass growth,” commented Mr Dladla, but this may be disputed by some residents.