Longtime residents reflect on a time when families could walk along streets lined with Christmas lights and fond memories were made.

“I suppose the disappointing part is that the places they hang these lights are so unsafe to even walk at night. We used to buy ice-cream at Paninos and walk the length of Jones Street, but can’t do that anymore,” said Kimberley Resident Peter-David van Der Straat.

While residents are hopeful, there seems to be no probability of Christmas lights this year. Sol Plaatje municipal spokesperson Thabo Mothibi told OFM News they haven’t been putting up Christmas lights due to cost containment.

“Last year they tried hanging them at that main road near the Information centre but there is only one set that always works, I think it’s the dolphin one,” said van Der Straat.

“We really would love to see Kimberley shine and sparkle again. So, it would be nice to be able to have freedom in our city again.”

Another resident told OFM News driving down Jones Street is a sad sight. “Residents would instead think of their safety, locking car doors and only see trash alongside the road with stores locked up in iron doors.”

She said having her children grow up not knowing what the Christmas lights look like makes her emotional about the state of the city.

Certain cities and towns in the Free State, including Bloemfontein and Bethlehem, have said they’ll be putting up Christmas lights this year.

OFM News/Casey-Lee Anthony mvh