Community unite to restore historic station
The Upper Highway community started an initiative to revitalise the historic Botha’s Hill Train Station.
THE Botha’s Hill Clean and Green Committee, along with the Botha’s Hill Neighbourhood Watch and the Assagay Neighbourhood Watch, has launched a community initiative to clean up the historic Botha’s Hill Train Station.
This historic station, dating back to the late 19th century, played a significant role in the Anglo-Boer War and has been an integral part of the community’s heritage.
Organiser Richard Summers said it has brought many boy scholars to the prestigious Kearsney College from far and wide and has, over the years, seen many changes, including being a bustling hub in the early 1900s and hosting a popular restaurant.
Also read: Umgeni Steam Railway shares restoration plans
“Today, the station is part of the scenic Umgeni Steam Railway route, where it is used as the halfway point. Here, the train turns around before making its way back to Inchanga Station, bringing smiles and nostalgia to tourists, young and old, as they enjoy 1000 Hills tourism,” he said.
On Saturday, June 8, the surrounding communities got together to pick up litter, cut back the overgrown vegetation and close off the historic shed that was being used as a dump site.
A DSW team also assisted with the clean-up and ensured that four DSW truckloads of rubbish were taken away.
Summers said this was the first phase of the project, allowing the committee to get a better understanding of what will be needed to preserve this historic building.
He added that the Botha’s Hill Community, along with the associated committees, are excited about the future of the project.
Summers mentioned that the future phases include painting, fixing structural damage, installing plumbing to provide restrooms for tourists and fencing off the site to secure it from criminal activity.
He also extended a special thank you to all the companies who supported the initiative.
If you would like to donate to this worthy cause or help with the preservation, visit Botha’s Hill Clean and Green or email bothashillproject@gmail.com.
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