Concrete fence an 'eyesore'

GEORGE NEWS - The new concrete fence at the Memorium Street cemetery has not been received with unqualified gratitude. The issue was discussed at a meeting of the George Heritage Trust on Wednesday 14 September and the trust now asks that the fence be replaced with a fence that passers-by can see through.

Henry Paine, chairperson of the trust, says this request is mainly for heritage and tourism reasons.

Last year the George Heritage Trust erected plaques at the old mortuary at the cemetery in a ceremony attended by the mayor.

The plaques explain the heritage of the cemetery and declare it a place of historic interest.

"We are dismayed to see that a concrete fence is being erected, replacing the original diamond mesh fence. We understand that the work is being done with the good intention of protecting the graves from vandalism, however it is inappropriate and more in keeping with what would be expected for the protection of cellphone masts," he said.

"The gate posts and old wrought-iron gates have been ignored and are made almost invisible. Views into the graveyard are now seriously impaired to the extent that little can be seen from passing cars or pedestrians.

"The recently erected plaques cannot be seen, let alone read, and the fence adds to the sense of urban degradation of this area of George. It will no longer be possible to detect anyone vandalising the graves. We believe that the concrete fence should be removed and used somewhere more appropriate. A new, transparent fence should be erected."

A diamond mesh gate is now the functional gate while the wrought-iron gates have been left in place.

'Dignity restored'

Senior manager of environmental services, Sivuyile Mtila, says after several complaints from the public about the state of the fencing, the municipality appointed a service provider to upgrade the fencing.

"The previous fence was damaged and rusted, vagrants were gaining access to the facility. The George Municipality as the owner of the property financed the upgrade of the 278m fencing which amounted to R438 404,14. The municipality has used concrete palisade fencing due to its durability, cost-effectiveness, no scrap value and low maintenance," he said.

"The municipality took full cognisance of the National Heritage Resources Act while upgrading the fence, particularly the Notification of Intent to Develop as mentioned in Section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act which would be required if the fencing was longer than 300m.