GEORGE NEWS - The pressure is on to complete the Environmental Educational and Science Centre at the Garden Route Botanical Garden (GRBG) in time for Science week which takes place from 31 July to 6 August.
The project implementer, Gina Dyosi this week said she is up to the challenge, despite the three month delay caused by the late transfer of funds from the Department of Environmental Affairs.
"The roof is being finished and the aluminium doors and windows are about to be installed. Most of the plaster work has been completed."
The most crucial aspect of the project, the completion of waterproofing and drainage of the back wall, is taking place this week. This needs to be done before tons of soil can be moved right up to the exterior back wall in order to create a landscaped mound at the south side of the building.
This unique design aspect was put forward by architect Sorina van Deventer of Arcxyl Architects. She embraced the idea to have the centre blend into the natural landscape. The mound will have a rockery as part of a geological display.
The construction of the Environmental Educational and Science Centre at the Garden Route Botanical Garden (GRBG) is nearing completion.
The project was coordinated by Dyosi of GD Projects and Construction with Mario da Silva second-in-charge.
As landlord the George Municipality is overseer of the process.
A very upbeat GRBG Trust Chairman, Colin Ralston, said this week: "The project is gaining momentum. I believe that the community of George will embrace this facility and make it their own.
"Although we do have the problem that the Department of Environmental Affairs did not provide the money for buying furniture and scientific equipment, I am hoping that when individuals and companies see the building and people's enthusiasm to use it, they will help to pay towards things like tiles, carpeting, Power Point presentation equipment and furniture.
"The Botanical Garden is the most ideal venue for the Science Week. The Education Centre will be a huge asset to the Botanical Garden and to the community at large. The kiosk will also be suitable for outdoor functions," said Ralston.
The trust is also heartened that the George Municipality is paving the parking area. Throughout the garden signs crafted from wood by Ken Gie is in place.
Public participation
Chantel Edwards-Klose, George Municipality's media liaison officer said the centre's expected date of completion is June 2016. "Entrance fees were proposed by the Botanical Garden Trust. As the land belongs to George Municipality, due process must be followed and a public participation process undertaken regarding this issue."
Referring to the R10 entrance fee and the security fencing, she said: "All actions undertaken by the Botanical Garden Trust and the George Municipality are to safeguard the assets of the Botanical Garden against vandalism and also for the safety of visitors."
ARTICLE: PAULINE LOURENS, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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