Once beautiful town now in a sorry state
Pavements are damaged in almost every street in Bergville, which makes it difficult for pedestrians
To many businessmen and residents, Bergville was once a beautiful town which has now in a sorry state
Yes, that is the reality of how many people living in Bergville feel. Businessmen and residents are fed up with the condition of the town. From burst water pipes to blocked drainage and damaged pavements, the problems are never-ending.
Phone calls and visits have been made to both Okhahlamba and Emnambithi/Ladysmith Municipality, as well as uThukela District Municipality, but nothing has been done to resolve the situation.
Driving along West Street, you will see an open manhole from which the cover has been removed.
This is dangerous because it is one of the main streets in Bergville.
A child could easily fall in and be seriously hurt. “Why can’t the municipality fix it?” question businessmen who have to watch their every step as they walk to town.
Pavements are damaged in almost every street in Bergville, which makes it difficult for pedestrians.
Blocked drainage and flowing sewage is another problem, as raw effluent runs from the streets into premises.
Not to mention the huge potholes that gape dangerously as if waiting for an unsuspecting passerby to trip up. When it rains, it looks like ponds are everywhere. Not only an unpleasant sight, but dangerous as well.
“We just want something to be done. We are ratepayers and we demand good service,” says another businessman.
With regards to the above, Okhahlamba Local Municipality commented as follows:
Okhahlamba Local Municipality, with the help of uThukela District Municipality, has embarked on a complete revamp of the sewer system in the Bergville CBD and within residential areas of the town. uThukela District Municipality have appointed contractors to replace the open manhole covers.
With regards to the pavements, as a municipality, we are in the process of installing proper pavements throughout the CBD. As a result, there is ongoing construction. We are unaware of any other broken or damaged pavements.
We would like to place on record that we have not received any written formal complaint from any of our residents or businesses with regards to these issues. However, we are committed to improving the condition of the town, particularly within the CBD.
