Well, we are now at the end of August! Only ‘yesterday’ we were celebrating new year and now summer is on the horizon again! The temperatures are on the rise.
I have had so many letters and calls regarding the building next to our offices and referred to by Jean in a letter to me in last month’s edition. The building continues to morph into what seemingly is a very large complex. Apart from that I will choose to refrain from commenting.
There were also continuing questions about the mall development. I have tried to get hold of Mr Rob Hare for the latest update on the mall, but I have yet to receive comment from him. I then asked the Hoedspruit Chamber if they had heard anything, and the response was that Mr Hare stated that as certain negotiations were currently underway, he was “not in a position to say anything more on the mall other than to confirm that it is definitely going ahead”. We have spoken to people that are trying to delve into the EIA for the site which might possibly be questionable. If, or when, we get feedback on this, rest assured we will divulge all. I just wish there was some clarity and transparency about this development – I do not think it is fair to the community with the size of the development, to keep it ‘secretive’.
Interestingly I was invited to the SOD turning at the Hoedspruit Private Hospital construction site. It was very exciting (and once again a toast to all those that have driven the project forward), with the MEC for Limpopo Department of Health, the Mayor, and others present. The preparation for the construction is moving on at a pace. It was a pity that the MEC had to over politicise the event (not the platform at all), but why should that be a surprise. What was more of a surprise to me was that I found out that the building contractor for the site is none other than Rob Hare (of our mall debacle fame)!
There’s a lot to be said about living in our bubble, but there are concerning issues that really must be dealt with. Is the mall going ahead? When is the water and sewage issue going to be solved? What about the interchange – surely that money could be better spent cleaning up and organising the town? Berlin 39 seems to be going ahead – at what price to a semi-functional (if not dysfunctional) town infrastructure?
And then there is Plastic View – oh my goodness, it seems to get worse by the day …. And nothing is done about it! It seems that it is a den of iniquity, many foreigners, lack of hygiene, prostitution, drugs, alcohol, and the list goes on. What is the solution?
The foreseeable problem that ‘sticks out like a sore thumb’ is that it is only a matter of time before other squatters try their luck with erecting shacks on open areas, and if there is not timeous intervention then we as a town are facing serious problems. We all need to be on the lookout for suspicious behaviour.
With reference to the Berlin 39 issue, a comment by one of the concerned residents in town stated that, “the municipality and police cannot effectively control 2 000m2 of land – how are they going to control 30ha of land of housing and squatting. This will start the decline of Hoedspruit and kill the goose that laid the golden egg”! I believe that most residents in town would to agree with this sentiment..
The community must get involved if there are to be any solutions to these issues, and I firmly believe that the forum in which constructive debate and solutions can be found, is through the Hoedspruit Chamber/Sakekamer. Come on people and businesses, sign up to the Chamber/Sakekamer for the future of the town and the sake of our children.
The Rugby World Cup is upon us – we are all holding thumbs that we are successful in retaining the cup, but it is a tall order. My question is simply, how long can we as South Africans hang our coats on the shoulders of these wonderful rugby warriors to generate unity, hope and passion for an incredible country that is fast sliding into the abyss? As if the pressure is not enough on these guys.
Until next time, stay safe, stay vigilant and let’s look after our precious town.
‘Go Bokke’, we are with you all the way!
