George Herald | Dream maker visits George

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Dream maker visits George
08:00 (GMT+2), Fri, 06 July 2012

Blanco resident, Neil Dikwex (right), explains to Theuns Coetzee what he hopes will be accomplished in the Dream Blanco project

GEORGE NEWS - Theuns Coetzee, the man famous for initiating the Dream project in Bonnievale, on Monday afternoon paid an impromptu visit to the home of Dream Blanco coordinator, Pierre Botha.

Coetzee answered practical questions about the project, related success stories and encouraged the people dreaming the dream to try every avenue to ensure that the Dream Blanco initiative really takes off.

Blanco has become 140 trees richer since the Dream Blanco initiative hit this George suburb earlier in the year. Some of these plants are valued at R700 each. Every tree, and the compost it has been planted in, has been donated by local business people. Michael du Plessis from ProGrow Organics recently delivered six tons of mushroom compost as his contribution to ensure that George really is the heart of the Garden Route.

Although frustrated that more has not been done in the past few months, Pierre Botha, Dream Blanco coordinator, is determined to keep things moving. Perseverance is required whilst negotiating between various municipal departments, sponsors and the public to make this Dream a reality. But, says Botha, more help is needed, especially as there are time consuming administrative tasks that are part of planning projects and obtaining the manpower to see these projects come to fruition.

The results from some of these projects can however already be seen.

A handful of new trash bins are now in Blanco alongside the 140 trees, 100 of which are from Kretzenshoop Primary School. Grade 1 to 8 learners recently spent three hours planting 50 trees inside their school grounds Unemployed workers planted the other 50 outside the school's fence, in the pouring rain.

Outeniqua High School learners also got their hands dirty. Numerous learners arrived recently in Blanco to clear up unwanted vegetation and plant new trees.

Botha hopes that this project will inspire the next generation to beautify their town and keep their gardens and community neat. "The removal and destruction of the exotic trees on the Blanco side of the Malgas River has been approved by the George Municipality, but approval of the necessary insurance for this job is still to be finalised."

When this is completed, 19 trees will be planted and an attractive, self sustaining garden will be developed.
The Dream Blanco project hopes that businesses in the Blanco area will embrace this initiative fully and beautify the pavements and facades in front of their buildings.

Visit www.sadogood.co.za/Towns/Blanco.htm to see the work that Dream Blanco has already achieved thus far.

ARTICLE AND PHOTO: LEEANNE PRATT, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST