Partner with NPO to build new bridge

THE Giba Gorge Environmental Precinct calls on Highway residents to back its funding campaign to build a bridge at a vital crossing point.

During the rain and hail storm that hit the highway area on 12 November, the sand road leading into Giba from St Helier Road was washed away for the third time in 10 years. The pipes that were laid under the sand road could not take the full flow of the river and washed away.

There is no entrance fee at Giba Gorge and is widely used by runners, cyclists, horse riders and dog walkers.

“There are limited funds and when something like this happens, we just can’t afford to replace an entire bridge. We are now wanting to create a solid structure,” said Mike Lorentz of the Giba Gorge Environmental Precinct.

Mike and Peter Camp, the head fundraiser for the project have already started with the clean-up and have cut back the eroded bank, which has been taken back down to the bedrock level that forms the riverbed. A temporary crossing is in place and the new bridge will span the gap and allow the river to flow unrestricted during periods of peak flow.

To span this gap, a substantial structure is required with sufficient strength as well as reinforcement of the bank to protect it against further wash away and undercutting. The bridge will be stone-faced and will be about four and a half metres in length and the estimated cost to create the structure is R50 000.

“If you are one of the people who enjoys the beautiful access road into Giba Gorge or just want to assist your local community then we are appealing for your assistance,” said Camp.

“Individuals can EFT donations and they will be acknowledged for their generous donation but we are also offering local community-minded companies and company owners, who enjoy the outdoors, the opportunity to make a corporate donation and gain some high value brand exposure. For R5000 your company branding and details will be on the sponsor’s board which will be erected at the site,” said Peter.

A dedicated trail runner, Craig Ramsay, said, “I use Giba Gorge at least twice a week and had to run across the area when there was no bridge and I am really glad that a new bridge is going up. It’s such a great project.”

As the Giba Gorge Environmental Precinct is a registered NPO, all companies will be issued a tax rebate certificate and a documented confirmation of the donation.

Banking details:

Account Name: Giba Gorge Environmental Precinct

Bank: Standard Bank

Branch: Pinetown

Branch code: 045636

Account number: 250 289 9261

If your company is a supplier of materials or services that could benefit the project, contact Peter on 082 462 3825.