On Monday morning another school child got knocked down by a mini bus at the corner of Alexandra and Connor streets. This is the second such accident to occur at the same spot in the month of June.
Fortunately the little girl involved in last Monday’s accident did not suffer any serious injuries. She was taken to a doctor by a passing motorist. The main cause of these accidents is due to the fact that these children are forced to walk on the street, facing oncoming traffic at this very busy intersection.
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The reason for them walking on the street is that there is a building that is being constructed at this corner for the past four years and the owner of the building cordoned off the pavement, which is normally used by scholars.
It however, appears that building operations have stopped at this site for over a year now. I think it would make sense if the owner of this property had the mentality and decency to make the pavement accessible to the public.
After all, you do not own the pavement. When I lived in Sea Park on the South Coast, there was a municipal by-law that stipulated that buildings that were being erected had to be completed in a certain time period. If the building progress is being halted or condemned, then it was the duty of the owner to keep the verges and pavements clean and open to the public.
I would like to know what our city fathers are doing to address this serious problem. Will they only take action once a life has been claimed at this spot?
Maybe we should organise a protest at this site, then only will people get off their butts and start doing their jobs.
As for the accidents, the inconsiderate owner of the building who blocked off the pavement should be made liable for all medical fees incurred by the learners. Wonder what the consequences will be should a learner get killed there?
Concerned Taxi Operator
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