Tourism team to install another landmark

Plans are underway to construct another Toti landmark feature, which is sure to be a hit with locals and holidaymakers.

“We’ll be ticking another box of the Sapphire Coast strategy plan – Toti Lagoon will soon have a beautiful water feature, sponsored by Solid Pumps and Engineering,” said chairman of Sapphire Coast Toti Tourism, Jacques van Schalkwyk.

The idea is to have a floating barge housing the water pump in the centre of the lagoon that will spray water up to about 8m to 10m. Steel pipes filled with concrete will anchor the barge and it will be chained to the Toti Canoe Club, from where power will be drawn.

If the water level of the lagoon drops to a certain point, the pump will automatically switch off.

It will also be lit up at night for tourists and locals to enjoy the spectacle.

It is hoped to be operational within three to four weeks.

The design and implementation of the project will be done by Matty and Lettie Conway, the owners of Solid Pumps and Engineering, who moved to Toti from Gauteng 10 years ago.

“When Jacques pitched the idea to us, we were immediately on board as it’s what we do and we are also members of the community,” said Lettie.

“We were inspired to get involved and assist as we have seen the effort that other members of the community have done with the bridge painting and the magnificent Christmas tree that was put up at the end of the Toti promenade in December and now a cross at Easter.

It’s fantastic to see a community getting involved. This will be a very good thing for Amanzimtoti and we need that,” said Lettie.

“With all the efforts that have gone into rehabilitating Amanzimtoti River and lagoon, from the canoe club, municipal and councillor involvement, Toti Saints, Toti Conservancy, local schools and churches, sports clubs and every single person who got stuck in and wanted to make a difference, may this water feature be a symbol and remembrance of what was, what is and what can be if we work together in our town,” said Jacques.

“We want to bring people down to another one of our wonderful assets for them to enjoy and make memories while here.”

Any businesses willing to assist in any way with this project can email Jacques on chairman@totitourism.co.za.