Feasibility study for iconic aging EL aquarium
BUFFALO City Metro has set aside R3.9-million for a feasibility study and concept designs as it considers upgrading and relocating the historic East London Aquarium.
The city has called for tender applications.
The 86-year-old aquarium, located along the Esplanade, was officially opened on December 2 1931, making it the oldest public aquarium in South Africa.
Talk of rebuilding or relocating the aquarium started in 2014 when an engineering report found that seawater had seeped into the facility’s concrete pillars, causing their steel reinforcements to rust.
Metro spokesman Samkelo Ngwenya said the possible move was a necessity because of the facility’s aging infrastructure.
“The aquarium is the oldest presently in the country and the existing infrastructure is aging, and critical remedial work is being addressed to extend its lifespan.
“The feasibility study to relocate is meant to address the need for a bigger and newer facility that can complement the city and the coastline of the province,” said Ngwenya.
He said the study would address the feasibility of it remaining where it was and the other options of feasible sites within East London.
“The feasibility study will incorporate the new site in conjunction with other future developments being addressed by the BCMMDA [Buffalo City Metropolitan Development Agency]. The agency has, as one of its primary mandates, a duty to transform the beachfront and we are excited that the aquarium is part of that broader vision.
“There is a budget of R3.9-million put aside for the feasibility study and concept designs for when the site has been adopted by council. The study will go ahead within the next 12 months. Funds to carry out the building of a new aquarium are still to be sourced,” said Ngwenya.
BCM marine services chief Siani Tilney said relocating the facility would benefit everyone involved, including the animals.
“It [the possible upgrades and relocation] is definitely a necessity based on the age of the facilities, which need to be more up to date, like more appropriate tank sizes for this day and age rather than what was built in the 1930s.
“This would benefit the coastal environment, city, tourism and marine animals. It would also help us promote education and conservation as well as assist in the role we play in helping stranded animals.
“Although it is still the early stages and there are many more steps to take, this is very exciting and promising.” — tylerr@dispatch.co.za