Unmarked roads and illegal dumping a cause for concern
What was once considered a well-maintained neighbourhood had fallen prey to illegal dumping, overgrowth and disappearing stop signs.
For more than 75 years Petrus Snyman has taken pride in his neighbourhood and its surroundings. Little did he know that his pride would be replaced by disgust a few years down the line.
Over the past few years what was once considered a well-maintained neighbourhood had fallen prey to illegal dumping, overgrowth and disappearing stop signs. The result? An unhealthy, unsightly and potentially dangerous place for all those living in the area and using its roads.
“I have always lived in this street and I must say, it has never been this bad,” Petrus said.
Although various parts of the area are littered with refuse that had been dumped illegally, he focused to the corner of Wilson and Timber Streets.
“The dumping has become so bad on this corner that the homeowner hasn’t been able to maintain his sidewalk. This further resulted in overgrown grass and weeds, which makes it challenging for motorists to see oncoming traffic,” he explained.
According to Petrus, there is no stop sign in sight at this specific four-way stop, and the road markings have faded away completely. This is especially concerning for motorists who might not be acquainted with the area and its roads.
“It’s a collision waiting to happen. I’m so ashamed of what the neighbourhood has come to, and it just feels like all our pleas are falling on deaf ears,” he said.
He reported the issues to the local ward councillor, the Chief of Metro Police and the Department of Health. Unfortunately, it seems to Petrus and his neighbours that the issue is not being prioritised.
According to Ward 84 councillor Johannes Goosen it saddens him greatly to see the communities deteriorate in this manner despite most residents playing their part in reporting issues to the City for intervention.
“Yes, the residents are continuously encouraged to report the issues and approach the relevant ward councillor – me in this case – for assistance to pressure each respective City entity to fulfil their role where it is needed,” he said.
“Regrettably, we as councillors cannot give instructions to City officials, but we rely on our well-crafted relationships with them when we do our level best to escalate issues and park them where they belongs for resolution, which unfortunately relies on the willingness and resources available to these officials to do the job.”
He went on to say that they remained resolute and unwavering in dealing with issues as residents inform them about them. Although they might not always be in a position to resolve these themselves, they will always do their best in difficult circumstances.
The Department of Health, JRA and JMPD were approached for comment on the matter.
