Bhisho: Cry, the unloved province
One wonders when Eastern Cape number plates will be updated to include a pothole alongside the aloe and elephant
You would expect a provincial capital to be clean, vibrant and well managed. Having to give way to roaming herds of cattle on the main road shatters this illusion.
Bhisho is the seat of the Eastern Cape government but the state of its roads is in stark contrast with the gleaming SUVs that cruise over them.
The State House sign that greets you as you drive up Independence Avenue is broken, and obviously has been for years.
For those who have not been to Bhisho, the administrative centre is mostly a series of oneway roads with stone pavements overgrown with weeds and preschool-like cement marbles, like Siwani Avenue.
It seems the purpose of those marbles was to give people a place to sit. Each is painted in a colour found on the national flag, but the effect is more pathetic than impressive. The CBD is drab, reminiscent of an East German communist town.
There is construction taking place behind the office of the premier.
Most of the shops in Bhisho closed years ago. A place called Pick n Eat used to make the best
‘ slap chips I ve ever tasted. This
’ shop and several others were converted into offices.
One wonders when Eastern Cape number plates will be updated to include a pothole alongside the aloe and elephant. Wherever you go in the province, these unholy holes mar the tar, and Bhisho is no exception.
Names on street signs are barely visible. Those of Xhosa kings like Sandile, Ngqika, Rharhabe and Hintsa are fading into obscurity.
The suburban neighbourhood of Bisho Gardens showed signs of improvement. Its roads had been resurfaced, and it was a relief to find much of the residential area free of refuse.
Behind the Engine garage on Phalo Avenue is the Amatola Business Village.
It was here that I parked, and I happened on a jolly band of day-drinkers. Two women went to the side of the garage to relieve themselves. One struggled for a while to pull up her skinny jeans in full view of vehicles driving up Komga Road.
The parking lot glitters with broken alcohol bottles, and the connection with the drinking spot just meters away is apparent.
Just before noon on Tuesday, a car full of drinkers pulled up. Some staggered out the vehicle. They opened the doors and danced, loud music spilling out.
One resident told me what I saw was nothing and that I
“” should wait until Friday for the “real fireworks, which start as early as 11am ”.
The crusty shell of the Amatola Sun casino and hotel is still there, boasting a fresh coat of white paint on the boundary wall. There is no roof on the building.
Parts of the town have been without water and electricity for days. An Amatola View resident told me people had taken it upon themselves to keep their area clean, as they can no longer rely on delivery of services.
Sad.