Road a death trap for vulnerable wildlife

A speeding motorist ploughed into a mother goose and her three goslings killing them along St Elmos Road in Umzumbe on Monday this week.

Elaine Whitwam, a resident who lives near St Elmos Road, and feeds her friendly flock of geese, discovered the tragic scene.

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“The motorist drove straight into the flock, the mother goose’s neck was almost taken right off in an attempt to protect her goslings,” she said.

Ms Whitwam who feeds the geese said she was heartbroken, as others from the flock had injured legs and broken wings, but had managed to get back home.

“When I brought the four dead bodies back to the house, the other geese sat quietly around the bodies until I buried them,” said a tearful Ms Whitwam.

She called on the municipality to erect speed bumps along this stretch of dangerous road.

“As I was walking up the middle of the tar road, with the dead geese in my hands, a vehicle came speeding past me at 120 kilometres an hour. We need the municipality to erect speed bumps soon, as anything and everything, be it human or animal, on the road is in danger at the speed people are driving,” she said.

Ray Nkonyeni Municipality spokesman Simon April said submissions of such requests require proper processes, which can be done via the ward councillor and/or ward committee.

“It should be noted though, that these requests are then processed through the IDP then Budget and then the Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan,” he said.

It was advised that the concerned resident submit this request accordingly or contact the municipality’s Strategic Planning Office at 039 6882028.

Ms Whitwam confirmed that she along with other residents from the surrounding area will submit a letter to the municipality.

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