Eight second-year NWU students did their part to contribute towards bettering the pothole problem in town. Nika Fourie said that as part of a project for their Accounting class, they were required to participate in an initiative that attempted to fulfil one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations (UN).
“We have all experienced the discomfort of potholes in and around Potchefstroom and even though we were aware that we couldn’t possibly address the issue in its entirety, we still wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to leave a lasting impression on our community,” she explained.
Fourie added that unlike their classmates, who opted for solutions like providing a single lunch to the homeless, not only did they patch a few potholes, but they also wanted to demonstrate to the community that making a difference is possible.
“We received donations from many of our fellow students and business owners who share our frustration with the problem,” she said.
Fourie said the group sought advice from experts and locals who have previously repaired potholes, carefully adhered to their directions, and were able to patch 12 potholes in one of Potch’s most problematic streets, Goud straat, she said.
The group expressed their gratitude to all of the community members who donated funds, offered words of encouragement as they were driving by, and especially to the Herotel employees who assisted us by lending them a tool while they were on site.
