Fidler in the Hood: Delayed approvals hamper development
Whether it is for building plan approval, liquor licences or even for old folks having a flutter playing bingo, it seems all applications are knocked back.
GREETINGS to all those disciples of climate change. The South Coast’s ‘freezing’ temperatures is currently putting the wind up the locals, who are all preaching that the end of the world is nigh. Just hang in a couple of weeks, spring is just around the corner and normal service will be resumed.
ALSO READ : Fidler in the Hood: A celebration of a life well lived
Potholes will get bigger (and better) and grass verges outside residential properties will start to grow again. We will all become ‘greener’ and can have a good old whinge about local leaders, whose words and decrees shall be obeyed. On with the show.
Passing the buck
The lack of cooperation by local council authorities who seem to go out of their way to hinder projects by not issuing relevant licences for some unknown reason has been commented on numerous times. Whether it is for building plan approval, liquor licences or even for old folks having a flutter playing bingo, it seems all applications are knocked back. Reasons are never forthcoming and passing the buck never stops – here, there or anywhere.
The ban on bingo, whilst not the end of the world, is a bitter blow to all folks who live on the hill – those retired people who enjoy playing bingo, shouting ‘house’ to claim ill-gotten gains. Perhaps it’s all downhill from hereon. Fancy a tipple or two at your favourite watering hole? “Sorry, we haven’t received our liquor licence, even though the application was submitted nearly a year ago.” It was thought that puritan fathers vanished centuries ago, but, no, there’s a local sect of reactionary pilgrims living amongst us on the Hibiscus Coast.
Stately Homes of Uvongo
One of the delights of living down here is toddling along Lilliecrona Boulevard, Uvongo, meeting and greeting many bikers, runners and walkers each and every morning. Almost everyone says hello in their local lingo format. As the saying goes ‘Little things mean a lot.’ Strolling along, one can observe ‘what’s going on’, or the converse.
The flagging belief in SA is somewhat revived when one sees a new building development underway. Such is the case along Lilliecrona.
A couple of old houses have been restored, rebuilt, and the new residences are something to behold. Magnificent homes with great views, which enhance the image along Lilliecrona. Something to be proud of, whether an owner or just a viewer.
One developer, Jacques van Niekerk, invited us to have a look around his new place, which he rebuilt from a near-derelict dwelling. The home is magnificent, all due credit to Jacques for his belief in Uvongo and investing in property here. A year later, and despite his putting energy and money into the place, the project is still delayed. Apparently the problem is his projected driveway leading to and from the double garage, which faces the boulevard and the sea.
Mr van Niekerk submitted plans which has been approved in principle. But no responsible authorised person will sign off the approval. Having been passed from one department to another, going round in circles, getting nowhere, our friend has become disillusioned with the municipality – something of an understatement. It beggars the question: here’s a person who believed in Uvongo; is eager to invest in the area and develop property. So why is there no one in local government willing or able to formally give the go-ahead? The gods must be crazy, aided and abetted by our friends behind closed doors.
Social calendar
It’s party time again. Tomorrow (August 15) sees a full day of wining, dining and having a jolly. SHAFTS (that venerable society for the young-at-heart) kicks off at 10.30am with its popular tuna braai morning at Shelly Beach Ski-boat Club. You don’t have to catch your own tuna fish, but please bring along your favourite salad and share it around with the other fishers of men and women.
At 1.30pm, yours truly makes a mad dash to Mbango Valley in Rathboneville to present a show to that happy breed of lovers of good music. All are welcome. Spend a pleasant couple of hours listening to those golden olden family favourites from the Golden Age of music. Throw in some British comedy and humour, and you will go home with a smile on your face, whistling a happy tune. For more information, contact Michele Marbler at 082 4510226.
Lastly, it’s the monthly Moondeckers soiree at Ramsgate Whale Deck and Conservancy later in the evening. It’s an early kick-off: 5 for 5.30pm. It’s a lovely way to spend an evening. Come along, say hello to the person seated next to you and make a new friend. See you, Rob.
HAVE YOUR SAY
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