VIDEO: Alberton Boulevard in disrepair
Our once award winning Boulevard is now run down and in a sorry state and Councillor Bruna Haipel has submitted a petition for the revamping of the area.
ALBERTON- Our once award-winning Boulevard is now run down and in a sorry state.
The Boulevard was completed in 1992 by the former Alberton Town Council to improve business, and Alberton City was linked to the Boulevard to increase ease of access and business opportunities.
In September 1992, the town council won a merit award from the International Downtown Association in Minnesota America for the Boulevard’s design. However, little, if anything of what was envisaged with the Boulevard ever came to fruition.
In response to the question as to how she perceives the Boulevard, a 15 year old Marias Viljoen pupil, who did not want to be named, said: he Boulevard is dirty and dangerous. They should clean the streets, paint the signs and fix the pavements. I don’t ever remember a time when it was nice.“ She was shocked to hear that it had won an award.
Mimi from Mimi’s hair, a long standing tenant in the area said: ‘‘I used to be able to walk along the Boulevard, now I don’t feel safe. The area is neglected and run down”
In spite of all this, many Alberton City workers still sit along the Boulevard during lunchtimes and they enjoy the fresh air and the trees. While taking a rest on route to Shoprite, Joey Erasmus regularly sits and watches people.
“I like the Boulevard and all the bargains you can pick up as a pensioner. Yes, they can clean up, decrease the amount of hawkers and replace the drain lids, but if you moan too much you will never be happy.”
Kevin Howard from Frame Art & Glass said he is sad to see the state of the Boulevard and, having been there for 29 years, he remembers how beautiful it was when it was completed.
At the last council meeting, Councillor Bruna Haipel put forward a petition to revamp the Boulevard.
“We will not have a reply immediately. It has to follow due process. Unfortunately the MMC at the IDP meeting would not accept it.” said Haipel.
Watch the video below for more insight from Boulevard businesses owners and workers and click here to look at the gallery.
