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Recurring sewage spills in China Square are affecting the state of Barkly Road, which is one of the busiest and most dangerous roads in Kimberley.

In the past two months alone, there were three fatal accidents on a specific stretch of this road, largely caused by potholes near the Santa turn-off.

While the potholes were subsequently repaired, the continuation of sewage spilling onto this high traffic road, continues to eat away at the tar, contributing to the repeat formation of the killer potholes.

The blocked drains in China Square are attended to regularly by Sol Plaatje but within a day or two, the spillage starts again. The sewage flows from China Square, down the road and into Barkly Road. It then gathers on the road surface, due to blocked storm water drains in the main road.

Aside from the obvious dangers posed by the above situation, it presents a health risk to pedestrians, and the residents who live next to the road and the sewage. The sewage is also an eyesore and a deterrent to investors, given the many people travelling through Kimberley, via this main thoroughfare.

Despite having reported our concerns to Sol Plaatje and repeatedly raising this concern on the Utilities committee, the stormwater drains have yet to be unblocked and the underlying causes of the sewage spillages thoroughly addressed.

Barkly Road experiences high traffic volumes throughout the day, making it a high-risk road. The fact that it is now made even less safe due to Sol Plaatje’s unconcerned response, is unacceptable.

The DA will proceed to gather signatures for a petition to demand that Sol Plaatje prioritises the long-term repair of the sewage spills, the unblocking of the stormwater drains and ultimately the safety of everyone travelling on Barkly-Road.

This is the least the municipality can do, in honour of those who have already lost their lives on this killer road.

Issued by George Joseph, Cllr - Sol Plaatje Municipality