Paddadam’s future rests on a ‘piece of paper’
"This contract is key to getting things going at the Paddadam," says Dawid Beetge.
PLANS for the Paddadam and its role in the Vryheid community are currently in limbo as the committee awaits the necessary documentation required to get the ball rolling from AbaQulusi Municipality.
In order to get donors and investors securely on board with the Paddadam project, the Paddadam Association Committee, with Dawid Beetge as the current Chairman, are biding their time as they wait for the official interim agreement between them and AbaQulusi Municipality to be put in place.
“This contract is key to getting things going at the Paddadam,” says Dawid Beetge.
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The popularity of the Paddadam has increased dramatically in recent years with massive renovations taking place and extensive support from the community making the recreational facility a talking point on the Vryheid map for all the right reasons. Market days and events, as well as school tours and safe access to the beauty of nature are just a few of the things that the committee, comprised of Dawid Beetge as Chairman, Christa Janse van Rensburg as Treasurer, Gert Fray as Groundskeeper, Doug Grewar as Communications Officer and Secretary, and Marlize Harmse as Events Coordinater, have dedicated themselves to promoting, but there is so much more on the cards… all they need is a piece of paper to give them the go ahead to set everything in motion.
Ward 9 Councillor, Alta de Kock, has brought this point to the attention of the relevant portfolio on numerous occasions in the last year and requested that the matter be tabled on the agenda with EXCO, but to no avail, it seems as the matter has not yet been discussed in council.
Municipal Manager, Mr Bonga Ntanzi, was unable to comment at the time of going to press, but assured us that he would look into the matter.
Secretary and Communications Officer for the Paddadam Association, Doug Grewar stated, “We are disappointed that this process has taken so long. We just hope that something will be done soon, otherwise what’s the point of carrying on?”
