The Trim Park has turned into a party venue over weekends and litter is left out in the open.
Image: Danie van dert Lith
NEGLECTED parks, overgrown sidewalks, and pothole-riddled roads - Kimberley residents say the city is falling apart just as it prepares to welcome thousands of visitors for the prestigious Wildeklawer sports tournament.
Locals have voiced deep frustration over what they describe as a city in steady decline, warning that the historic charm Kimberley was once known for is being replaced by an image of urban decay.
One disgruntled resident did not hold back, stating bluntly that Sol Plaatje Municipality should be ashamed of itself. “The city looks like a varkhok (pigsty),” she said.
When the DFA recently visited several key areas and landmarks around the city, it confirmed that residents’ concerns were well-founded.
The Trim Park, once a popular recreational space for joggers and walkers, was overrun with long grass and wild tree growth. Tree seeds have taken root in the unmaintained lawn, and overgrown branches cast a shadow over once-welcoming walkways.
The Trimp Park - once a beautiful recreational space for joggers and walkers - was overrun with long grass and unchecked tree growth.
Image: Danie van der Lith
In response to mounting pressure from frustrated residents, municipal workers were seen cleaning the park with weed eaters during a subsequent DFA visit. However, their method of grass-cutting raised further concerns. Instead of using lawnmowers, workers relied solely on weed eaters - a choice residents say is causing more harm than good.
“When they cut around the small trees, they end up chopping the bark at the base, which kills them,” one resident pointed out. “But that’s what happens when people are put on the job without proper training.”
Workers from Sol Plaatje Municipality were seen cleaning-up the Trim Park.
Image: Supplied
The small trees are being damaged by the weed eaters.
Image: Danie van der Lith
In stark contrast, residents praised the appearance of the Diamantveld High School area, where the grounds are clean and well-kept.
“Diamantveld is an example of what’s possible when there’s pride in the work,” a resident remarked. “But when you look elsewhere, all you see is long grass taking over the sidewalks and pavements.”
The decay isn’t limited to parks. Pavements across the city are being reclaimed by nature - with grass, weeds, and even trees growing out of cracked surfaces.
Residents are particularly worried about the impression this will leave on visitors to the fast-approaching Wildeklawer school sports tournament.
“Thousands of people are coming here from all over the country. What are they going to think when they see the Honoured Dead Memorial covered in wild grass? It’s one of the first things people notice when they arrive,” pointed out a resident.
With the Wildeklawer tournament just around the corner, several areas in Kimberley are an eye-sore.
Image: Danie van der Lith
Carrington Road’s middle island was another example of neglect on the DFA’s tour around the city.
The long grass and untidy appearance could easily be remedied with just a bit of effort, but the lack of municipal action has left residents frustrated. “It wouldn’t take much to clean up, but nobody bothers,” said a local.
There are also growing concerns about antisocial behaviour at parks in the city. Residents once again pointed to the Trim Park, saying the area has become a hot spot for drinking, public sex acts, and littering on weekends.
“They just leave their trash lying there and don’t bother to clean up take it with them,” a resident lamented.
Municipal by-laws exist to prevent such behaviour, yet there is no enforcement, allowing these activities to continue unchecked. “Where are the law enforcement officers? There are by-laws in place, but nobody is enforcing them. That is why this is allowed to happen,” another resident stated angrily.
Carrington Road had been left to the point where the grass was more than knee-high.
Image: Danie van der Lith
Another local asked pointedly: “Where is the parks manager? Doesn’t he have a job to do? Should he not be checking on these areas now and then, or is it more comfortable to sit in an office with an air conditioner?”
The recurring theme is a lack of accountability. “That’s the root of it all - there’s no one taking responsibility. That’s why Kimberley is a varkhok,” one resident concluded.
Responding to the criticism, Sol Plaatje Municipality said it is working to recover from delays caused by summer rainfall.
“We are hard at work in covering lost time due to constant summer rains, as evidenced by the clearing of the Trim Park,” the local authority noted.
“An all-out effort is under way to restore the park to its most admirable state. We are noting the concerns expressed.”
The once beautiful Trim Park had paths for people to walk along. Now, the paths cannot be seen, as they are covered with grass and weeds.
Image: Danie van der Lith
On whether there are sufficient workers to maintain all the areas around town, the municipality explained: “Sol Plaatje Municipality’s grass cutters from cemeteries, stadiums, and other amenities have been deployed to assist with grass cutting and pruning of trees on entrance routes, at parks, and other open spaces.
“The recent rains have led to overgrown grass, prompting intensified efforts. The Parks and Recreation teams were reinforced in the clearing of Phakamile Mabija Road and Trim Park recently. In ensuring well-manicured public spaces, and with the weather permitting, more open spaces are to be attended to.”
The municipality did, however, acknowledge staffing challenges, stating, “The municipality’s financial position has tremendously affected the filling of vacant and budgeted posts subsequent to the resignation, retirement, and the untimely passing of staff. However, the current team is resilient, despite the challenges encountered, and will do their level best to render quality services to the community.
“The Parks and Recreation grass-cutting team that was established, will be targeting cemeteries, and sports and recreational facilities, including parks and pleasure resorts.”
Kimberley residents have expressed deep concerns about the state of their city, highlighting neglected parks, overgrown sidewalks, and roads in dire need of maintenance.
Image: Danie van der Lith
Addressing enforcement of municipal by-laws, the municipality noted: “In relation to public drinking, the law allows the police to act, as it is a violation of the National Liquor Act - from which the Northern Cape Liquor Act and the Sol Plaatje Public Drinking By-Law derive their powers.
“The public drinking at the park across from our Traffic Department on Phakamile Mabija Road is soul-destroying … worse in that it is near the police station. The littering and ugliness of broken bottles is unfathomable. Frustratingly, the drunken behaviour sparks open acts of debauchery. This lawlessness ought to be met with stern action by both the police and municipal security.
“It’s a matter that resides within the powers of the council to review the by-laws to allow municipal law enforcement officials to positively and speedily address any unacceptable behaviour by the public.”
Regarding the municipality’s plan to clean the city before the Wildeklawer tournament, officials stated, “Wildeklawer is a mega event bearing multifaceted benefits for the city. We will step up efforts as evidenced by the recent mobilisation of employees in clearing public spaces. The Parks and Recreation section, together with Cleansing Services, has always worked to ensure the city is presentable during events.”
As the tournament draws closer, the spotlight is on Sol Plaatje Municipality - and residents are watching closely to see whether Kimberley will be ready in time.
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