New fence for sanctuary

Kelland resident Sharon Viljoen was concerned about the condition of the Kelland Wetland and Bird Sanctuary and decided to make its restoration her project.

Viljoen explained, “From 2000 to 2007 people invaded the premises and left such a mess. However, the biggest concern for me was the safety as there was no proper fence.”

She said Fairland Ratepayers Association started to clean-up the area in August. “We had 10 four-ton loads of rubbish that we removed,” she said. “The fencing of the premises was also a huge problem, and with the help of the Randpark Golf Club, Schalk Jacobz from Weltevreden Park erected a perimeter fence free of charge. It is really about the safety. We need to keep vagrants out of there.”

The club’s Derek Lloyd said, “I felt I could go one better and immediately requested our security manager to add the Kelland boundary to our patrol route as we have access from our property. We are all extremely grateful to Jacobz for donating the fence.”

Viljoen also expressed her gratitude to Ryan Hermanson of Love Landscapes in North riding who donated R1 000 worth of indigenous Highveld seed, and Kobus Theunissen of City Parks who advised and guided the restoration process.