Dear mayor Athol Trollip,
We all know that first impressions are key to how you feel about a new destination.
Well for Port Elizabeth that impression is not a good one and considering the upcoming Ironman as well as the constant stream of visitors to our city, we need to show a city that cares for itself under the current DA-led municipality!
First off is the Settlers highway from Burman Road to Walmer Boulevard.
I suggest you take a slow drive on the route and see for yourself the condition of the barriers with many, many damaged for a lengthy time without any attempt to repair.
It resembles a Mad Max war zone.
Please see the total lack of road markings in the section of the highway leading up to Walmer Boulevard. This is the first disappointing view of the entrance to our city.
Strangely the first thing the new DA-led municipality did on coming into power was fix these barriers after the ANC left the road in a shocking state!
Next is the beachfront.
Having had personal experience in China recently, where constant application to maintaining the look of cities by well-maintained gardens is a big priority, in preparation for the Ironman event please attend to the dismal condition of the garden beds running alongside Beach Road.
Beds should be prepared and fencing fixed in preparation for a colourful event.
The importance of attending to the detail of these small visual aspects cannot be overstated.
We have lots of available labour to fix these small but important things that will add greatly to the overall impression of our city.
Trying to be proud
Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth