The Bird Sanctuary has progressed at a satisfactory rate and we do believe that the basis has been set for the long-term success of this project. The recognition as a project for the earth summit has also injected a lot of enthusiasm and we are confident that the project will continue to grow into a useful educational and recreational venue. A number of possibilities are being discussed and a lot of thinking is being done at this stage. Various proposals have been put forward by interested parties and these will also be considered.
Listed below are the projects which will be completed:
Boundary
Construction of reed fence on the boundary of Mojali Road, including the cladding of the entrance gates with reeds.
Reed Fencing
The construction of approximately 150m of reed fencing 1,8m high.
Wooden Bridge
The construction of a wooden bridge over the Fairland Spruit to give access to the Eastern portion of the property. Sponsored by SASOL
Toilets
The construction of ladies and gents toilets suitable for paraplegic persons.
Construction
The construction of temporary structures for an information centre, kiosk and shelters for plants.
Water
Council water connection.
Planting
Planting of approximately 300 indigenous trees and shrubs.
Indigenous Grass Seeding
The poisoning of approximately 1ha of kikuyu and the seeding of indigenous grass seed in these areas.
Removal of Invader Species
In conjunction with “Working for water” we have removed approximately 3000 invader species as well as approximately 1.5 ha of Spanish reed.
Bird Habitats
The erection of an Owl box, bat box and the installing of 14 nesting logs
PROPOSED PROJECTS
Listed below are the projects which we envisage completing over the next year, in order of priority:
Rates and Taxes
The matter of rates and taxes was resolved with the rates clause having been removed from the lease agreement
Bridges over rivers
Sasol gave us R17000 to construct a bridge over the Fairland Spruit alongside the rope bridge.
Electrical connection to the property
Still outstanding:
Council fee R1528.00
Boundary box R1200.00
Total required R2728.00
Electrical reticulation
Main board complete
Still outstanding:
Underground cable, connection to kiosk, toilets, staff and external lights including fittings.
Total required R12500.00
Administration office and storeroom
A container has been loaned to the sanctuary for which we pay a small rental of R500 a month. The container is 12m X 3m and is secure when locked.
Raised walkways particularly between rivers and wetland area
To allow free movement of reptiles and mammals from the river to the wetland it is intended to construct raised walkways utilising treated timber.
Estimate R75 000
Fencing of Northern boundary
No fence presently exists on the Northern boundary.
Total required R25500.00
Reconstruction of bird hide destroyed by fire. The bird hide at the old duck pond was destroyed by fire. This we will only construct once we are sure where the most effective location will be
Reinstatement of wetland.We are presently in discussions with various Government Departments as to the way forward for the Sanctuary. Sponsors will be approached to assist as the costs are likely to be high.
All in all however the cost will be well worth while when the wetland has been reinstated and the area operates as a true wetland with the whole area being flooded during rainy conditions thereby assisting to avoid downstream flooding. The water will filter through the soils to the dams. Being much purer the cost of purification will be greatly reduced.
The Sanctuary will alo remain a valuable educational and recreational facility.
Bearing in mind the importance of the reinstatement of wetlands which has been emphasized lately by the flash floods and loss of life which have occurred. Mr. John Dini of Working for wetlands at the SANBI was quoted in the newspaper of the 07/01/06 “the recent heavy rains in Johannesburg, the resulting floods, the havoc and the loss of life have made wetland restoration pertinent.”
The restoration of this well located site presents an unprecedented opportunity for the area to become a functional wetland once again as well as becoming as educational and recreational site. It is well located for easy access from the N1 one freeway for schools, etc.
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