The Kimberley Prospector

KIMBERLEY – In the heart of Ward 25, Broadway Place, Beaconsfield in Kimberley, where potholes seem to exist long enough to register to vote, residents and motorists grapple with a persistent challenge that has lingered in the shadows for far too long—the trench that time forgot. Originating on or before 11 November 2018 without a clear plan for resolution, this trench has transformed into a misfit speed bump, inflicting daily frustrations on motorists & pedestrians navigating the area.

The Broadway trench saga encapsulates the broader issue of neglect in Kimberley’s infrastructure management while other concerns such as the ongoing water crisis, waste fires, illegal dumping, littering, and public urination are not addressed.

Olympics for Motorists

The Broadway trench predates a newly emerged problem for motorists that is the unbridled installation of speed bumps on Hercules Road—an excessive number of speed bumps, turning the once-smooth route into an unexpected Olympic hurdle course, an initiative undertaken without consulting the broader community and motorists.

Resources: A Missed Opportunity

In a twist of irony, residents now question the extensive use of asphalt (tar) in the Hercules Street reconstruction, contemplating whether redirecting a fraction of those resources to construct a purpose-built speed bump at the Broadway Place trench could have not only fixed the road but also provided a safer alternative to the makeshift speed bump dilemma that has plagued motorists for years.

These issues highlight the city’s struggle with overall infrastructure, including the Broadway trench. For five years, residents and responsible motorists have borne the brunt of this unplanned obstacle. The trench’s presence is a tangible symbol of unfulfilled promises and unresolved problems in Kimberley’s city planning.

As the community pays the price for decisions made without their consultation, the spotlight is on Kimberley’s ability to address its longstanding issues. The frustration surrounding the Broadway trench calls for a comprehensive plan and immediate action, raising questions about the effectiveness of the city’s infrastructure management.

Solutions Remain Elusive

The trench in Ward 25 has become a symbol of the broader challenges facing Kimberley’s infrastructure, where solutions are as elusive as mythical creatures like the Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot and UFOs. As the city grapples with these issues, the trench saga serves as a glaring reminder that effective governance and timely solutions are essential for the well-being of Kimberley’s residents.

The question now looms: Will Kimberley rise above its infrastructure quagmire, or will it continue to navigate the bumpy road ahead?