Port Shepstone’s iconic ‘Block’ set to boom
Some funding has been made available for the much needed-development of the Block.
The ‘Block’ in Port Shepstone is a popular fishing spot in desperate need of attention and has been on the redevelopment list for a number of years.
A development meeting was held at the Port Shepstone Civic Centre last Thursday, and the news was good – R600 000 has been set aside for upgrading the area.
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Fishermen, business people, councillors and residents attended the meeting, headed by Ward 18 councillor Doug Rawlins, at which a presentation was made by Rowen Clarke from Royal HaskoningDHV, a council-appointed consultant.
The funding has been made available in the financial year which started in July. Councillor Rawlins said there had been talk in the past of developing the Block, possibly with a small craft harbour, but nothing had materialised.
“We believe we have a prime fishing spot on the South Coast and it’s about time something positive took place in this area. Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) has set aside R600 000 this financial year to kick-start the project and we hope that during the next few months there will be improvements so that we can be proud of our town.
“I am glad that both the municipality and the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) are behind this project and we can only hope it will prove positive for locals and visitors,” he said.
Brief history
In 1893 Port Shepstone was functioning as a full fiscal harbour. However, when the railway from Durban reached Port Shepstone, the harbour was doomed. It fell into disuse and eventually the river silted up again, making the harbour impossible to use.
The positive
In his presentation. Mr Clarke said Port Shepstone had a proud history and needed some positive input. Many ideas were put forward, including a boat yard, a fishing village, car park, braai areas, toilets, bait tables with taps, and bins.
“More talks need to be held with Transnet and I believe they have a huge role to play in improving this iconic area. It is also up to all businesses and fishermen to get behind the Block development and play a role that will last for many years to come.”
Follow-up meetings will be held but, for now, those who attended the meeting have called for the Block to be cleaned and the grass to be cut.
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