Last Sunday, we were taken on a sunset cruise up the Amahlongwa River, all the way to the N2 bridge over the river. The river was relatively full, as it was high tide, so we could go a long way up river. This was an eye-opener to most of us, as we did not realise that one could go that far upstream.
What a bonus for canoeists, as they can really get in a good bit of exercise paddling.
We had no sooner started our cruise, when I spotted something that is going to cause a major problem soon. A few years ago, the heavy rains had caused the embankment to collapse next to the R102, where the road runs right next to this river.
The provincial roads department took a long time to rehabilitate the embankment and, once the repairs had been completed, motorists have been able to continue using the road without fearing that they and their vehicle would end up in the drink.
However, the heavy rains over the past two years have eroded the embankment again and sections of the Gabian walls have collapsed.
There is a very real possibility of history repeating itself. Fellow cruisers told me that the authorities have been informed of the potential disaster and have also been sent photographs of the collapsing embankment, but no reaction, nor acknowledgement of correspondence, has been forthcoming.
Their attitude seems to be “why should they fix things that aren’t broke” – well, the road is going to be “broke” certainly by the next heavy rains.
As the sun set that afternoon, our cruise ended up near the railway bridge at the Black Rock lagoon.
What a tremendous bonus was in store for us, as thousands of barn swallows started coming in to roost in the reed beds.
This was a real treat as the swallows came swooping low over our heads, heading for bed. What an extraordinary privilege that was. I was adamant that I was not going to mention the word Covid-19 in this week’s column, but the “Lockdown” initiated by the state president has had far reaching consequences.
Understandably, there is a great need to slow down the rate of infection and stern measures must be implemented.
There is no question of this, but has there been an overreaction to this? I believe not and, for once, the president has acted decisively in view of the alarming death rates in many countries.
Let us support the Lockdown and do our bit to curb the infection rate. News 24 carried a report issued by the Minister of Police that the following activities are prohibited and can lead to fines being imposed and offenders could even find themselves as guests of the Department of Correctional Services.
A few of these activities are that we will not be allowed to go jogging, cycling or walking our dog in public.
Nor can alcohol be sold during the lockdown period. All gatherings have been prohibited, including gatherings on public roads, buildings and places of worship. Movement between districts and provinces is prohibited.
We are going to experience a somewhat lighter version of “house arrest”, something which political prisoners in the past experienced.
