BITYI, South Africa – Community members in Ward 18 of Bityi say they have lost hope in government and are now taking matters into their own hands, repairing severely damaged roads that have cut off access to schools, healthcare facilities, and homes.
Residents are pooling their own money to fill dangerous ditches and badly eroded routes. Each person is contributing 30 rand to fund the urgent repairs.
According to community members, the self-help initiative follows numerous failed attempts to secure government intervention. Elderly women were observed among those physically working to fix the roads, which residents describe as a literal definition of active citizenship.
Local spokespersons explained that the roads become particularly inaccessible during stormy weather conditions, preventing taxis from transporting children to school. Residents have resorted to these measures to avert potential emergencies that could leave the area cut off.
The situation has been described as a disturbing image, with elderly community members rising early to repair roads so that transport can fetch their children.
