It was a slow stroll on a Thursday morning. We are just going to make our way to see how our town’s sewerage plant is holding up. First stop being the pump house. Well, three pumps are visibly seen but only one is connected up and working.

Sewerage and hospital materials are found to be lying on the embankment. Brown water stinks but coffee is smelt in the water. The soil troph hasn’t been cleaned as it should be on a daily basis.

This beginning part to the whole system looks pretty bleak. Well, let us continue our morning stroll. The river is flowing after the rains. Thank goodness for that. At least all the rubbish can move further down, pity about those receiving it further down. Lying on the banks are these refuse bags.

Cut grass and the rubber casings, obviously from stolen cables. So much dumping – UNBELIEVABLE. Arriving at the plant, we were met by a lovely aroma. It was interesting to see how our waste gets processed. I am not sure if this plant is big enough or even being worked as it should. But I have to trust the technicians.

It would be good if the grass in this area could be kept to as least ankle height! Anyway, after leaving this plant we ventured up past the hostel and to the top of the hill. We needed to explore more… what is going on up Hospital Hill. We finally got to the fence close to the road and met with Water Works staff. Upon asking, we were very well informed that water pipes are being laid to and from the reservoirs to the area alongside the once aerodrome.

By now, I think, we had a wonderful walk. Time to get down the hill but on the road this time. Three hours later it was time to stop for a cup of coffee, rusks and cake, time to bundle into the bakkie and go home. The end of another adventurous walk.

Angela Keyter

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