Locals bring Warner Beach a step closer to Blue Flag status
Newly planted palms trees along with the continuation of the artwork by well-known Umkomaas artist, Lee Weigl continues to transform the subway bridge into a mystical walkway.
BEAUTIFYING the Warner Beach subway continues as an addition of palm trees and freshly painted artwork take the local beach yet another step closer to obtaining Blue Flag beach status.
The community is urged to contribute to the change in any way that they’re able to, as they will ultimately benefit from this initiative.
Incase you missed this last week: Call to unite towards blue flag aim for Warner Beach
Numerous bottle palms sourced by ward 97 councillor, Andre Beetge were planted along the beach side of the subway walkway and the centre island of the parking lot last week.
Despite the heavy rain last week, devoted members of the community made sure that tools were not downed until all the trees were planted.
“We hope that in the future these trees will be accompanied by many others,” said Romy Wentzel of Sapphire Coast Tourism. “In the nearer future, we hope to place retainers along with succulent gardens all the way down the bank beside the walkway.”
The palms aren’t the only additions of late. Other improvements include the continuation of the artwork by well-known Umkomaas artist, Lee Weigl, which continues to transform the subway bridge into a mystical walkway.
“Lee began painting last Friday and we predict her artwork will be finished in three weeks. However, this is dependent on weather and her schedule.” All the paint was donated by Sapphire Coast Tourism.
Romy explained that future plans include the extension of the gardens on Kingsway Road, but this is dependent on funding from businesses directly opposite the site, along with help from the community.
The crew of enthusiasts can’t sufficiently stress the importance of the community’s involvement.
“These ongoing improvements benefit the entire community, and the final result – hopefully attaining Blue Flag status – will most certainly improve the lives of locals,” she said. “People complaining about the main road which needs attention first, need to understand that community work has to start somewhere along the line.”
Thus far, improvements are due to the effort put in by just a handful of the community. With more hands on deck, results could be spectacular.
Those interested in assisting financially can do so through the Vincit Omnia Veritas (VOV) Trust.
“This trust funds the upliftment of the community with regards to job creation, feeding and education of underprivileged children, security matters as well as enhancing the fauna and flora – including the dune rehabilitation project, the clean-up along Ellcock Road, among many others, for the benefit of all,” said Jan Pauw of VOV Trust.
Any payments made by the public should state whether it is a once-off payment or monthly contribution. Also quote the reference according to the name of the project you would like to contribute to, such as the subway or verge cleaning.
Romy stipulates that donating is not the only way contributions can be made. Physically lending a hand counts, sometimes more than by just providing monetary aid.
“Members of the community can either lend a hand themselves and local businesses could supply labour or material instead of cash and EFT donations,” she said.
Still to do:
1. Place rope around support poles for signs.
2. Verges need much more work and the gardens will hopefully be extended.
3. Additional bins could help to prevent people from littering.
4. Fix the wall by the beach entrance and possibly paint it.
5. Beach walkway needs attention.
6. More lights needed for security reasons at night.
Banking details of VOV Trust:
Standard Bank
PVT banking
Account number: 055-824-536
Swift code: SBZAZAJJ
Address: 1 Kingsmead Way, Kingsmead 4001
For further information on VOV Trust, contact Jan Pauw on 072-677-2727 or janpauw@mweb.co.za.
