The English author, Edward Bulwer-Lytton, coined the expression, “The pen is mightier than the sword” in 1839.
One wonders whether two pens are twice as mighty as the sword.
This sentence might seem to be gibberish to readers, but an explanation might help. Last week in this column reference was made to the sinkhole that threatened to ambush drivers who park at the southern parking area at the Scottburgh Mall.
The very next day the Sun’s sister newspaper, the Mid-Coast Mail, also carried a report on this crater and even included a picture of a Mail reporter inside the sinkhole. Hence the “two pens”.
Whether these two reports have indeed triggered a response from the “swords” i.e. the relevant authorities or not is questionable, but repairs have been almost been completed!
The small piece of hazard tape that initially sadly fluttered a warning to motorists, has been replaced by a more substantial length of hazard tape. Whether the repairers intended the tape to serve as a warning to motorists or merely to draw attention to the fact that repairs have been carried out, is debatable.
Sadly, I personally believe that the powers-that-be never read anything in the press and all the letters in the press complaining about poor service from the Umdoni Municipality, fall on deaf ears.
They simply couldn’t care a hoot – they do not believe that they are there to serve this community, and their only responsibility it seems is to look after their own interests.
Talk about sheltered employment! The past few weeks have seen many people glued to their television sets watching international football, World Cup cricket, Tour de France, the tennis at Wimbledon etc. Most of the coverage of these sports has ended, except for the Tour de France.
The Battle for the Remote is almost over and, in most homes, live sport takes precedence over other programmes like soapies and movies. Live action will be returning to Scottburgh in a fortnight’s time when the Scottburgh MTB Race and Run weekend is held.
Would it not be a grand occasion if the sardines also pitched up on the day?
Time will tell.
