After receiving a whopping R12 million grant from the National Department of Environmental Affairs, the developers of the Con Joubert Bird Sanctuary in Helikon Park seem to have succeeded in allocating the funds effectively. Since the announcement of a major revamp of the park in March last year, and the start of construction in March this year, the project seems to have made significant progress.
Craig Harrison, ward councillor for the area in which the bird sanctuary is situated, took the Herald on a tour of the improved premises. As we walked along a newly constructed wooden catwalk above the sanctuary’s beautiful wetland, Craig enthusiastically explained that a specific part will become a viewpoint, with chairs for visitors to sit on and enjoy a view cleared of reeds overlooking a pond.
Andrew Medupe, general site employee of Endemic Developments says 500 indigenous trees have already been planted to make up for the nesting space lost during the clearing of some reeds. He also pointed out a newly constructed building at the end of the catwalk, which he says is both a bathroom and a storeroom for seeds and gardening equipment.
Andrew also said they plan to build four nursery tunnels later this month. Different plants will be nursed in these tunnels to create food for the birds.
Craig is very proud of the new bird sanctuary centres. These will serve as a restaurant area with an exterior deck, an educational centre, a conference room, and a canteen. “One of the two buildings has a large gutter built into the ceiling that will collect rainwater and deposit it into large JoJo tanks,” he said.
Construction on the water features located around the buildings has also started. Paving bricks were made on site and laid in front of the centres to form neat accessible surroundings. “While the bricks were being made, other employees were being trained,” Andrew said. “By the time we started digging the foundations, everyone knew exactly where everything was going and what they needed to do.”
The team still has to construct the parking lot, but the bricks for this project are already on site. An additional large space had also been cleared for use as a picnic space.
Craig and Andrew both think the construction may be done as soon as the end of August this year. “I can’t wait for this place to open. I am so proud of it,” Craig said.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
Also read:
Major tourist attraction planned for Helikon Park
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Roodepoort Record, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
