Small printed notices have been placed at the Duck Pond next to the parking area inside the playing area that stipulates “Catch and Release”, “no drinking of alcohol”, etc.
This is not totally visible to the public that enter this area by means of a vehicle or by foot from the other side.
Even though you go and read the notice boards you will find another notice board stating “No Fishing”, what is that about?
What does “Catch and Release” mean to you or the fishes?
Well, if you look at the state of the pond, not much, as there are dead fish floating in the water due to pollution.
It is an utter disgrace to see how much rubble is in and around the pond, even a grocery shopping trolley.
Is the Duck Pond Secunda’s new dumping area?
Yes, there are concrete dust bins, mostly without any refuse bags inside them for the waste.
The concrete bins are placed far away from the benches, how many people make the effort to get up and throw their rubbish in the bin?
It is much easier to throw the rubbish in the water or just leave it; someone will pick it up, wait, nobody does that.
The children’s play area is unsafe.
There are broken glass shards and tree branches lying all over the area.
Add an additional notice not to allow any glass bottles in the area.
The security personnel must also inform visitors of the notices if they are breaking the rules and if needs be ask them to leave the premises.
You as a visitor to the facility need to take ownership of cleaning behind you, if you fail to do this then issue a fine.
Thank you for erecting the nice toilet facility, can we get them working now?
Just remember that loud music is also pollution, I do not come to your house and make noise.
There are people and animals that still live on the edges so please, be quiet.
The larger dam just below the Duck Pond, also known as Hamerkop Dam, is also unfriendly.
No refuse bins, no braai areas and no toilets.
We are aware of the construction of the toilets at the Duck Pond, which is beyond walking distance or do we just take a dump in someone’s backyard?
There is a notice up stating that you may not enter that area with a vehicle.
This notice is also not very visible when you enter the area.
As a fisherman or visitor to this dam you must leave your vehicles 300-500m from the dam.
Carry your entire luggage, fishing gear and camping equipment to the dam and back after spending the day at the dam.
Who looks after your vehicle that is unattended so far away?
Contractors are currently using the road while visitors are not permitted, why the discrimination and what about pensioners who cannot walk so far?
I suggest that a parking area should be created next to the security station at the bottom end of the dam or erect concrete pillars, similar ones as the duck pond next to the dam.
This will alleviate stress of the people visiting the area as well as giving pensioners the opportunity to use the facilities.
I further suggest that a cleaning or gardening company be appointed, to maintain these areas.
Nobody else is doing anything.
As with past experience, new stuff is given to the public but not maintained.
What about some braai areas and benches for the people as well, is that too much to ask?
I am sure that the security personnel can do more instead of reading newspapers and staying indoors all day?
Can they not enforce the rules of these locations?
The pond and dam are so peaceful and relaxing and to enjoy your afternoon lunch or picnic there is a great breakaway.
There are many private owned companies that will jump to the opportunity to privatise these non-profit facilities and evolve it to a very relaxing environment.
Fishermen, pensioners, visitors, children and even pets will enjoy it more if all of us give a helping hand.
The saying “Proud to be a South African citizen” or “Keep Secunda Clean” is definitely not being displayed at theses dams.
Thank you for reading this, maybe you can do something about this or maybe you can tell someone about this.
Any assistance or word of mouth can help our causes.
A very concerned Secunda citizen.
