Two Bits – 16 October 2015

As much as we have had the jitters about the water shortage this year, it was a relief to finally see the huge weir being built across the Tugela River near Mandeni this week.

It’s not quite high enough to call a dam, but a massive enough chunk of concrete that will partially block the river, with the purpose of allowing large amounts of water to be pumped down the coast to Stanger, Ballito and points in between.

The politicians waffle on and you can never quite believe what they’re saying, so it was comforting to talk to the engineers about the capabilities of the Lower Tugela Bulk Water Scheme, as it’s officially known and described elsewhere in this issue.

The engineers told us on Monday they are confident that the scheme will provide enough water for the fast-growing North Coast for many years to come.

That’s all very well for the long-term future, but I do wish it would rain right now!

* * *

Our story last week on the (lack of) treatment meted out to an elderly man in Stanger Hospital attracted a deluge of comments, almost unanimous in agreement that the treatment of patients there leaves a lot to be desired. The accompanying picture of faeces in a towel turned a few stomachs, but it sent a powerful message. Without it, I am fairly certain the authorities would have flatly denied the validity of the claims.

It certainly sent a message to the hospital staff, who suddenly can’t do enough for 71-year-old Dennis Byrne, apologised to his family and promised a full investigation.

We have heard unsavoury stories of the hospital for years, but seldom have first-hand evidence of wrongdoing. Most people fear victimisation if they complain, so in this case well done to his family for having the sense to speak out.

And by the by, to the person who said on Facebook that the Courier wouldn’t report a similar incident at one of the private hospitals in the area, I promise you that if we could verify similar treatment at any hospital, we would do no different.

* * *

What I think is a feral cat has taken to coming into our house in the midnight hours. It comes in through our bedroom window, right in line with where our old ginger tom sleeps.

First thing we know of it is the most hideous YEEEOWL as the ginger cat reacts. I sit bolt upright in bed and shout “WHAT THE HELL!”, just in time to see the black streak of the feral cat shooting back out the window. This is sometimes followed by the ripe smell of cat spray, from either the feral or our tom. Then the dogs go ballistic, just for good measure.

Try and sleep after that! I’ll kill that damn cat if I ever get my hands on it. No, not really. I suppose I’ll put some netting across the window for a while until it goes away.

* * *

Saint Peter halted a man at the gates of heaven

“You’ve told too many lies to be admitted here,” he said.

“Have a heart,” said the man. “You were a fisherman yourself.”