Help tourism team prep Amanzimtoti for tourists

SAPPHIRE Coast Tourism (SCT) continues to paint Amanzimtoti blue, and again calls on the community to get involved in the town’s facelift.

Several local bridges and municipal buildings have been painted the beautiful sapphire blue but there’s still much work to be done.

Bridges which received a fresh coat of sapphire blue paint include the rugby club bridge, old skaters’ electricity house, N2 Adams bridge and the small Kingsway Adams Road bridge. Other painting projects that have been completed included along School Road, Umdoni Road, Leslie Road, Doonside promenade, Somerset Place, Warnadoone Road, Gordon Road, pedestrian bridge between the Winklespruit Beach Road and the Kingsburgh testing grounds.

View the progress in this gallery: Sapphire Coast Tourism paints Amanzimtoti blue 

SCT now turns its focus to the ‘hoot bridge’ in Warner Beach. SCT chairwoman, Romy Wentzel had approached the nearby lifesaving club to assist in cleaning and repainting the bridge but is still awaiting confirmation of their input.

More on the chairwoman: Romy takes hotseat at Sapphire Coast Tourism 

“We hope to paint the tunnel as well as the front pillars from both sides as they’re currently plain, dirty concrete only. Seeing as the bridge needs to be cleaned thoroughly before any painting can be done, preferably by a high pressure gun, SCT hopes the nearby panelbeaters will assist with the task.”

Romy reminds artists to come forward to paint all the freshly painted blue walls and bridges. She suggested that a mural of Winklespruit beach within the hoot bridge would encourage beachgoers to visit the nearby beach and pool.

“I also appeal to the public to assist with the upgrade of the Amanzimtoti amphitheatre, at the end of Toti promenade,” said Romy. “The public complains but few seem to consider their own involvement as a means to ensure progress.”

Any assistance in terms of sponsorship of paint and painting equipment would be highly appreciated as there are still many bridges to be painted, especially heading south towards Umgababa and Umkomaas. Unfortunately, the SCT budget is tight with its main focus being December activities.

SCT stresses it is aware that the Amanzimtoti promenade requires attention.

“We have received many complaints about the state of the promenade, however our funding is not meant to be used to fix potholes, trim hedges, build and maintain pathways or fix fencing. I urge those who are dissatisfied to continue reporting their complaints to the relevant departments,” said Romy.

SCT says if the town pulls together, individuals as well as local businesses, especially those that benefit from holidaymakers’ making use of the promenade while staying along Beach Road, it will make a notable difference.

“Why not provide labour to pull weeds along the promenade, or do it yourself when time allows?” asked Romy. ” It can be a lot of fun if a group of friends go out together. Why not get involved to make a change? Complaining won’t get us further anytime soon. Sapphire Coast Tourism would love to attend to the damages to the amphitheatre in Amanzimtoti…but financial assistance or sponsorship of labour or materials is needed in order for this to be completed before the busy season.”

If anyone can assist in anyway, call Romy Wentzel on 083-733-6468 or Cllr Andre Beetge on 082-718-8137.

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