GEORGE NEWS - It would seem that the George Town Council is still at a loss what to do with the old crocodile farm on the western borders of George.
The matter has remained in abeyance for many years. Observers and developers have been waiting in vain for some progress to be made on this valuable piece of real estate.
In the meantime, the buildings are going to seed and the pre-fabricated boundary wall partly collapsed in strong winds earlier this year.
Relooking
In February, the council was considering asking for tender proposals. However, eight months later there is no sign of this coming to fruition.
Director of Human Settlements, Land Affairs and Planning Charles Lubbe recently said, "The municipality is in the process of re-looking at the possible utilisation of the land to establish activities on site which could be to the benefit of all the citizens of George.
"The aforementioned will address many of the challenges the municipality is currently facing in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.
"Daily inspections are carried out and no homeless persons were on the land during any of the visits."
A security guard said he had witnessed a recent removal of illegal occupants from the premises. During the George Herald's visit, no vagrants were seen.
The buildings on the old crocodile farm are in a state of neglect.
Dormant plans
While the herons and other water birds used to flock to this land in large numbers, they are said to have almost disappeared from this favourite roost.
A group of bird lovers who call themselves Friends of the Heronry (Frogh), harboured ambitious plans for a tourism facility that would attract birders from all over the world.
A beautifully landscaped park complete with facilities was envisaged. When no response was forthcoming, the plans stagnated - like the pools in which a huge number of crocodiles had their home.
Instead of being the derelict eyesore it presently is, the 4,7-hectare municipal-owned land fronting on York Street Extension could be rehabilitated and turned into a tourist attraction, a bird sanctuary and tea garden where tour buses stop and birders could flock to. But even greenies have given up hope.
The buildings on the old crocodile farm are in a state of neglect.
Birds departed
A driving school owner who regularly works in the vicinity of the Old Crocodile farm said he noticed some birds arriving and departing during lunch time, but at night they go elsewhere to roost.
Eden Wessa honorary secretary Christine Ridge-Schnaufer and fellow birders are nonplussed about the movements of the birds and their current whereabouts.
"We stopped doing our count last month. There seem to be none left to count," she said.
ARTICLE: PAULINE LOURENS, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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