Fidler in the Hood: Another casualty of war?
Our much-valued visitors are heading to other resorts where they can expect to make a cuppa in the morning.
MID-WINTER greetings, friends. Halfway through the year and only 188 days to Christmas when the season of peace and goodwill towards all men will be upon us.
A pity we cannot bring it forward to the present, as there is a distinct shortage of goodwill in our neck of the woods at the moment.
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The never-ending water crises and now perhaps winter electricity shortages have placed a strain on most people and there is only one topic for discussion: the continuous non-delivery of essential services. We shake our heads in despair and wonder whether it will ever return to a semblance of ‘normal’ service. Cheer up, fellow inmates, the good news is that the sun still shines and the municipality has not turned off the oxygen.
Labour unrest
Seriously, all this adverse news has spread to other parts of SA; upcountry visitors are steering clear of our lovely Hibiscus Coast. Bad press reports, particularly on labour unrest and the lack of water have reached the well-heeled suburbs of Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Cancellations of bookings for the holiday season are on the increase and our much-valued visitors are heading to other resorts where they can expect to make a cuppa in the morning, take a shower, and not be at the mercy of a dispute that should have been resolved long before the present-day crisis.
Sad farewell
Last week, I mentioned the steady closure of shops and stores in local malls and the sad news was compounded with the ‘closing down’ of the popular Photo Freedom camera shop in Shelly Centre – after 25 years.
I called by the shop and asked the staff what was going on, it seems that business has declined to a point it was not worth continuing.
When asked why, the reply was ‘the economic climate’ (we know that one), plus the dramatic decline in tourism, citing the negative effect from the ‘war’ between workers and the municipality. Even visitors we do get say ‘never again’.
All is not lost
But, look on the bright side! The World Cup in Russia has started; 64 games to watch in four weeks and it all looks great. Even the Boks won the first rugby test and that lifted our spirits. The English football season’s fixtures have been published; my Beloved Manchester City take on ‘Gunners’ Arsenal away from home – first match in August. Football, rugby – what more can you ask for in life? Who needs water and electricity? Don’t answer! See you, Rob.
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