ALBERTON – I can clearly remember the big dreams and plans that the then town planners and the Alberton Town Council had when they implemented the Alberton Boulevard.
What a surprise to come down the hill in Voortrekker Road to note that the statues were gone – from what I hear a truck took them out and it was just never replaced.
There was a lovely fountain, an amphitheatre formed part of the plan, and this was supposed to be utilised for outdoor concerts etc. Not to mention the kiosk which would host members of SAPS to ensure safety and security in the area.
It was with a feeling of loss that I parked my car, walked through the Boulevard to be greeted by informal traders taking up the open spaces, and I could not help to wonder what the surrounding shop owners feel about this? Especially since they have to pay rent, water and electricity, as well as possible rates and taxes in some cases, only for somebody else to be trading almost in their doorways.
The total neglect is clearly visible, when you try to find your footing on the sidewalk and you have to negotiate your way through uneven paving and missing manhole covers.
What has happened in Alberton? Are there any plans to have this once precious plan uplifted to what it was initially meant to be, or will Albertonians just accept that this is how things are and carry on while turning a blind eye?
It was a sad day indeed to see the deterioration of this once beautiful town…
NS
