It is no longer a secret that Paarl is developing so fast, almost faster than the speed of light. It is evident that the powers that be are riding a huge gravy train with this.
More households, more money for the municipal coffers, together with huge bonuses for the top-brass.
But has the municipality really done thorough research on how all this development is affecting the valley?
Just take a look at the congestion on our roads. Has the Mayor actually got into his car during peak-hour traffic, of which there are actually three morning time slots. Then there’s the slot when the schools come out and late afternoon again.
One significant example of congestion is the huge traffic jam in the historical Main Road of Paarl, between the Strooidakkerk and southern Paarl. Surely Paarl Main Road was not built to carry such excessive traffic?
The traffic flow to the northern part of town has also become a nightmare.
And on the other hand, has the municipality taken the time to consider what will happen when a drought strikes again, with a dreaded Day Zero on the horizon? Since the last drought the valley has grown, with thousands more people; where is all the water going to come from when the taps run dry?
Not to mention the job seekers and homeless flooding our streets, bringing with them a criminal element set to make our crime stats rise even further.
Yes, development to a certain extent is a good thing, but when greed and unrealistic objectives are made, then it is rather a disaster waiting to happen.
I therefore cry for my deteriorating valley!
