Stephen Benson was tired of seeing the massive pothole on his road, so he decided to fill it as the municipality had failed to do so several times.
Ladysmith, South Africa – A woman was driving along Battery Road when she saw Stephen Bedson doing a good deed for the community.
The woman was so impressed by Stephen’s actions she called Nameera Sarjoo at the Ladysmith Gazette to share his story. She hoped to get him the recognition he deserved for his efforts.
Stephen, a 74-year-old man, spent his Thursday afternoon patching up a giant pothole. According to the Ladysmith Gazette, the hole was caused by a leaking pipe. The pipe running under the road had washed away the soil, causing the pothole to form. The municipality was sent in to repair the pipe several times and each time left the gaping hole in the road.
“This pothole has been here for years now and when the municipality comes to dig and do repairs, they never patch the road. I live in Watson Road, which is nearby, so I thought: If no one else is going to fix this problem, why shouldn’t I? It’s in the neighbourhood, I have time on my hands, and I do not like seeing people having to duck and dive around the pothole. So it’s for the best that I do the little I can to improve the situation,” – Stephen Bedson.
Stephen used his own tools, sand and cement to take care of the pothole. His initiative didn’t go unnoticed by the people within the community. Passers-by stopped to greet him and thanked him for going the extra mile to do good within the community.
Many people have said his efforts will make life a lot easier now that they can drive along the road without worry. Great job Stephen, you have made South Africa proud!
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