AfriForum tackles neglected areas in Keimoes following lack of municipal intervention
AfriForum’s Keimoes branch continued cleaning public spaces in Keimoes during August after numerous residents raised concerns about the poor condition of these areas. The Kai !Garib Local Municipality is responsible for maintaining public parks, pavements and streets, but regularly fails to fulfil these duties.
Parts of the road and pavement on Main Road, from the section in front of Brays Spar to opposite the municipal buildings, were overgrown with grass and weeds. The trees had not been pruned, which meant that low-hanging branches made it difficult for pedestrians to use the pavement. Litter and other refuse were also strewn throughout the area.
AfriForum’s neighbourhood team in Keimoes regularly receives complaints from residents about the condition of these areas. The Municipality’s lack of regular intervention places an unnecessary burden on residents and local community organisations.
During the clean-up operation, the neighbourhood team pruned the trees, cut the grass and thoroughly cleaned the area. More than two loads, amounting to approximately 2 tonnes of branches, grass and refuse, were removed. The team also cleared refuse underneath the trees alongside Keimoes High School, where a further 1 tonne of refuse was removed.
“It is unfortunate that community members repeatedly have to step in to carry out basic maintenance and cleaning work that should ordinarily be the responsibility of the local municipality,” says Werner Strauss, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for the Northern Cape.
According to Strauss, Kobus Pool and Hendrik Andreas, who are part of the neighbourhood team, did an excellent job. “We are proud of the contribution they make to our community, because projects such as these are not merely about removing refuse, but also about promoting residents’ safety, dignity and pride in their communities.”
AfriForum’s Keimoes branch will continue to monitor the condition of public spaces in the town and, where necessary, put pressure on the Municipality to fulfil its responsibilities towards residents.
Get involved with AfriForum today and help make a difference in your town. Visit www.wordlid.co.za for more information.
