Unruly jungles: both sides to blame

Dear Editor,

You published an article in which it was stated that members of the public could report instances where plots were overgrown to the municipality so that the matter could be taken up with the relevant plot-owners.

All well and good, but to whom do we report this to at the municipality, which allows grass verges to become overgrown to such an extent that they resemble veritable jungles.

I refer in particular to York Road.

A portion of this road was resurfaced sometime ago and the tarmac was replaced with brick-paving. It is a pleasure to ride along this portion of the road.

However, the grass verges, which are some 12m wide, were last cut ages ago and the grass is now waist high.

Furthermore, the grass has been invaded by bushes, weeds and all manner of obnoxious fauna.

The verges are not only unsightly, but with the winter dry-season upon us, present a decided fire-hazard.

The grass and weeds have also spread onto the road itself and soon the forces of nature will start lifting the bricks and this portion of the road will be reduced to the same sorry state as the other pitted and potholed roads in our woebegone town.

I would have acted upon the municipality’s request that overgrown plots be reported and brought the condition of the plot, adjacent to the complex where I reside, to their attention. It is completely overgrown and looks like a setting for Jurassic Park.

However, the owner would have an indisputable excuse for not keeping the plot clear: the grass verge is so overgrown that he would not be able to gain access to the plot.

It is all very well for the municipal authorities to take action against recalcitrant plot-owners, but I would say to them, “Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye”.

Regards,

Derrick Fellows