An online petition to “fill the Stellenbosch ‘Quarry'” was created on Monday, 24 October.
The petition follows a recent incident in which the bodies of two Stellenbosch students, Leila Lees (18) and Ethan Kirkland (19), were recovered from a vehicle submerged in the quarry filled with water.
The circumstances around their death are under police investigation.
Also read: UPDATE: Stellies students’ bodies identified, “culpable homicide for further investigation
The petition started by Liza Stewart calls on the municipality to take action to ensure the safety of the residents of Stellenbosch.
The large “hole on Bird Street” has long been a cause for concern and controversy in the university town. According to MatieMedia, it is believed the land has been underdeveloped for nearly 20 years.
The erosion of the abandoned piece of land is causing damage to the neighbouring St Nicholas Catholic Church. Additionally, the area has been deemed by many residents as hazardous and a risk to the community.
The quarry is particularly dark during loadshedding which led some to question whether this could have contributed to the deaths of the two students.
Many complaints have been made by locals over the years but no progress has been made.
Approximately over 1100 people have already signed.
To sign the petition, click HERE.
Also read:
Picture: Google Earth