Durban has lost four Blue Flags due to pollution, but our flags still fly high. BEVIS FAIRBROTHER REPORTS. SOUTH COAST HERALD 23 March 2008
UCH of South Africa seems to be wilt¬ing, faced with inflation, rising costs, . • pre-World Cup jitters, a mediocre
Bafana Bafana ... and Eskom, of course.
Meanwhile, our strip of coastal paradise can look forward to a host of exciting developments which should see a dramatic boost in tourism over the next few years.
Hence, a booming local economy, more jobs and a better lifestyle for all.
We have already stolen a march on our big neighbor, Durban, where the beaches came in for a pounding last week from a 'human tsunami', Alison Kelly, who represents the Danish-based Blue Flag programme.
Four of the city's beaches have lost their Blue Flag rating because of pollution, 'faecal-infested waters' and poor facilities, according to a Sunday Times report. Understandably, city manager, Mike Sutcliffe, is not too chuffed and is contesting Ms Kelly's findings. There has even been a threat to withdraw from the programme completely.
In comparison, this is what Ms Kelly has to say about Hibiscus Coast beaches:
"Hibberdene beach is doing 'fantastically' and is compliant with world class standards. The beaches of Ramsgate, Margate and Marina Beach / San Lameer are prime examples of excel¬lent. Blue Flag beaches."
Tourism KNZ’s CEO Ndabo Khoza, said he regarded Blue Flag status as a "key marketing edge".
Coupled with this, our beaches are set to improve even further as various local authori¬ties put the millions acquired from the National Disaster Fund to good use. (The exact amount of the grant is still being debated, but hold thumbs for about R64-million).
An assessment of damage to our beaches from last year's 'tides of March' has been tabled and we should see action on beaches between Scot¬tburgh and Port Edward shortly.
Much of the damage was caused because man encroached on Poseidon's territory. The report recommends we don't make the same mistake.
In a nutshell •••
Other exciting developments in the pipeline are:
* The small craft harbour at Hibberdene.
The project is still wrapped in red tape at the moment, but the politicians are making all the right noises and we should see more action soon;
* Planning for the new look Margate Airport is also well advanced and the powers-that-be hope this will be finalized by 2010, in time to benefit from the World Cup;
* A new Sports and Leisure Centre, also in time for the World Cup;
* A spruced-up Margate fishing pier, hope¬fully surrounded by clever initiatives from the private sector; .
* A new broadband ITC strategy, bringing greater connectivity to the coast;
* An Africano-Bread Franchise project, pro¬viding opportunities for many to own their own mini-bakeries,
Also on the various agendas are a small shop¬ping centre just outside Gamalakhe, and plans to utilize European building technology to tackle a severe backlog in housing, schools and clinics. 'Project Pothole' is already underway and we should have a smooth ride by June.
In general, the various agendas are thick, meetings are long and councilors and officials alike are doing their best to earn their keep.
Private enterprise •••
Private enterprise is also demonstrating its confidence in our coastline.
Development all along Marine Drive continues and new motor showrooms along the N2 opposite South Coast Mall are taking shape.
Spiller's Wharf, a spruced-up tourism facility, is already open on the banks of the Umzimkhulu River.
And the new-look Super Spar at Shelly Beach is a gem.
Experts have taken everything into account for the rehabilitation - even an anticipated rise in sea levels in decades to come.
No comments:
Post a Comment