Businesses back Bisley Nature Reserve
After the heavy rains eroded the tarred road through Bisley Nature Reserve (BNR), leaving it in a terrible state, and posing a danger to both motorists and animals, the developer of Intaba Ridge Eco-Estate has forked out a generous donation for repairs.
Friends of Bisley Nature Reserve (FOBNR) chairperson Peter West said the eco-estate developer, Brendan Falkson, fortuitously stepped forward and arranged for Nolan’s Eathmoving contractors to complete most of the critical repairs, namely daylighting of the drainage channels and repairing potholes and
eroded road sections, at an estimated cost of R75 000. This follows the donation by Nolan’s Plant and Earthmoving late last year to repair a number of potholes free of charge.
The recent flooding had left drainage trenches silted up, resulting in strong streams of rain water running across the surface and further aggravating erosion.
“This road has not been maintained for a number of years and motorists are now having to negotiate sections of the road reduced from a five meter to a three meter width. While negotiating areas of deep erosion, motorists may easily lose concentration and collide with animals crossing the road, especially slow-reacting giraffe.
“Restoring the road through BNR, which is now frequented by visitors from not only KZN but the entire country, is an absolute necessity, especially for disabled and aged viewers who are unable to walk the trails. This unique feature of our city is an educational and recreational gem,” said West.
He said he is amazed at the willingness of Pietermaritzburg citizens to step in the moment BNR requires assistance.
Friends of Bisley Nature Reserve and Upper Mpushini Conservancy are currently assisting Msunduzi Parks to be proclaimed which will protect the BNR as a nature reserve. “The R100 000 cost was funded by an anonymous donor, once again illustrating the generosity of Maritzburg people.”