News Letter: 29 February 2008
February 29th, 2008
29th Feburary 2008
Dear member
The hottest month at the coast is about to lead into the mildest season……..still days devoid of heat and humidity are the hallmark of this pleasant time of year. Holiday bookings for Easter weekend are filling up. We can expect an influx of visitors once more. The approach to town along the P403 looks good. The NPA have done a sterling job of cutting grass and clearing the undergrowth beneath large trees without removing the saplings. In the not so distant future these will canopy and add to the shaded avenue we so desire. In town things look bright and clean with newly painted road marking just completed. The plaintive cry of Trumpeter Hornbill brings joy to us on the ridge. Tina Groom of Panorama reported a group of 16 dipping their heavy beaks in her tree. The fukwa calls frequently and the rain irises are a mass of white blooms - a sign of rain to come.
James Gilleran and I attended the Blythedale Beach AGM last evening – partly to support a fellow association but also to hear how they are coping with crime. We were aware of a friendly and united atmosphere in their little carpeted hall – a facility which in the past was the Health committee offices and which they hope to use for future community functions. Like Zinkwazi, Blythedale is challenged by growing numbers of people using their car park inappropriately as a party venue. Their appeals for control have fallen on deaf ears and as a result tourism is badly affected with the closure of the caravan park and dire consequences for the local tourist establishments. Unlike us, water supplied by local boreholes had not run out during peak season but as in our village crime and disturbance are their major concern. They were interested to hear that our newly engaged security company has successfully reduced crime over the past three months. We do believe that the 24 hour presence of two guards on foot and bicycles has improved our position.
Rates objections seem to be sorted. The re- valuations of properties by the rates department have been addressed and the outcome made known to owners. Those that I know of have been satisfied with the revaluations, and their past overpayments are being refunds as promised. On the water front, it’s alarming to hear that our village uses four times the normal average amount of water used by a village of our size…..no wonder the pumps run forever. Clearly there must be a large volume wasted through leaking pipes.
Eskom’s shocking power outages early in January, certainly gave us food for thought ….. a wake up call for Zinkwazi where we rely on power for water. Without power our borehole pumps don’t function and no water reaches the reservoir. The sight of storage tanks being installed all over the village has come as no surprise. As a result of Klaus Achtzehn’s excellent article to members in January on coping with power outages and water shortages, I have had several requests for contacts to carryout their installation. Prudent residents are focused to ensure sufficient stored water and alternate power supply before their visitors arrive.
With the exception of No1 Magai, servitudes leading on to the beach are still in a poor state. It appears one has to be under threat of breaking a limb to get repairs done. Break a leg you might, if you attempted to reach the sea via servitude 29/31 Magai. A burst pipe has undermined and excavated the earth to a point where a huge donga has developed. Adjacent property walls are leaning, at risk of falling over with any further movement of earth. A list of our needs has been submitted to KDM, and we hope that along with these, all servitudes and pavements will be rendered level, safe and walk-able.
What a shame our beach parking is still far from repair. The slipway which lay like a beached whale in front of the parking area has been broken up and removed. Strangely the enormous drop from the tarred surface of the parking has minimized over the year. The sea has washed in tons of sand to bank up against the sides of the drop and one is able to negotiate the 2 meter fall to the sand. South of Zinkwazi the precincts have dictated what they want for their little enclaves. We are in the throws of collecting ideas from all roll players to submit on a wish list. A policy of ‘retreat’ has been adopted throughout KDM. Our car park will not be returned to its former size neither is it permissible to excavate adjacent dunes to substitute for parking. We must optimize on the existing area.
On beach matters…..our beach Adonis, and Chief Life Saver, Anthony Lubbe (slim, tanned, long blond hair, in red and yellow) is running a most valuable course for youngsters. The Surf Proficiency Award renders one drown-proof in the surf if nothing else. The two week course at R400, includes first aid - excellent value for anyone who wants to feel confident in the surf and be of value to others at Zinkawzi. We are desperately short of Life Savers over holiday season so please encourage our young adults to be community spirited.
Evidence that ships at sea were cleaning out their tanks two weeks ago, surfaced north of Zinkwazi. A thin layer of oil lay on the beach for a distance of 4 km to Siola . More disturbing is the evidence of neglect and disregard for the environment by our own local fishermen. Piles of decaying milk shark along with tangled line and hooks was reported lying in the sand at high water mark north of our main swimming beach at Zinkwazi. Reports of litter at the high water mark come in frequently and are passed on to Coast Care. Please do not hesitate to report any issues of concern, no matter how trivial, as your vigilance will help ensure a better Zinkwazi.
ZBRRA are arranging a community meeting at 6pm on 26th March at Darnall Country Club. The purpose of this is to highlight the need for environmental awareness, to resurrect the conservancy state of our village and to discuss the eradication of alien vegetation which is taking over vacant plots at an alarming rate. The association will fund a pilot project within the village to illustrate the benefits of what can be achieved by individual residents on their own properties. Sources of indigenous trees and plants will be made available along with expert advice. This promises to be a good social evening and all are welcome – snacks will be provided and a cash bar.
The lagoon is closed and swollen to capacity. At its southernmost, it reaches close to the Ski boat club. Almost a year ago this glassy surface, reflecting palms at its upper reaches, was transformed overnight by the high seas of March 07 into a boiling turbulence which transported concrete pillars, drums, boats and anything in its path upriver on 4 meter rollers.
In conclusion, I hear the croc from our lagoon has relocated to join others of similar size in Kim Hagemann’s dam a few kilometres away. Since crocs are able to traverse long distances, normally at night, we hope that they remain content and happy in Kim’s still waters. Local fishermen tell me that perch are caught closest to the mouth, while barbel waters are a little higher up river. Black bass, the most sought after, have recently made an appearance at the upper, less salty reaches of our lagoon. They have moved from still waters on nearby farm dams to enjoy the upper reaches of our lagoon – a fair swop I believe !!
Regards
Wendy