ALBERTON Boulevard has been a bone of contention with residents and the city council for years, but still it is not being seen to.
According to one of Alberton’s ward councillors, alderman Bruna Haipel, she has been trying to get funds from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality’s IDP (Integrated Development Plan) for more than 10 years to upgrade and maintain the Alberton Boulevard.
“After so many inspections and meetings with various departments, I was overjoyed when eventually the Parks Department started removing the trees which were causing sewer blockages, lifting the paving and breaking the retention wall at the circle. This was months ago and, unfortunately, everything has just been left in disrepair,” said Haipel.
“It is heartbreaking to walk through this derelict and ruined section of the CBD with its gaping holes, broken pavements, missing paving and sewage flowing everywhere,” she added.
Shopkeepers in the area are unhappy about the state of the boulevard as well.
“There is no parking for the customers, wind is blowing the dust and trash into our shops and our customers have to wade through sewage to get to us and the smell is absolutely disgusting,” said one of the shopkeepers who would like to remain anonymous.
“I have had no joy, in spite of all my efforts and the fact that the mayor himself is a resident is very worrying. If something is not done soon, I’m afraid the consequences will be dire,” said Haipel.
Themba Gadebe, EMM spokesperson says: “A paving contractor has been appointed to carry out the reconstruction of the paving in this financial year.”
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