When Estuary Care became aware that Ndlambe Municipality was considering removing the boat mooring buoys from the Bushmans River, Estuary Care looked at options for how we could help manage what has become an increasingly challenging issue.
- We are aware of the value and convenience this historic mooring facility offers Bushman’s residents and visitors and the use of buoys to anchor boats in the river is a big part of the Bushman’s attraction and experience.
- We see too, the logistical nightmare that would occur if this feature of the estuary is removed – dozens of cars, with boat trailers jockeying to launch their boats in what is a very restricted slipway area which is currently congested during holiday periods.
- The distance between the trailer park and the slipway will mean the trailer will be unhitched in the trailer park and then users will find difficulty finding parking space near the slipway for the car.
The challenges Ndlambe faces, which Estuary Care would like to see addressed, include:
- The reduced mooring basin near the slipway due to siltation of the estuary
- Due to the diminishing area, the moorings encroached on swimming areas which has created a safety issue for swimmers from motorboats, poorly set moorings and submerged anchors
- The mooring of boats in the middle of a channel which obstructs boat movement
- Unlicensed buoys and the moving of buoys
- Long-term mooring of barges that restrict water flow and contribute to siltation
- Uncontrolled placing of concrete blocks by private companies and individuals
- Aggressive behavior of the public towards Ndlambe officials
Estuary Care has enjoyed a very positive response from Ndlambe in finding a solution. We had proposed Estuary Care taking the responsibility to manage and control buoys for a fee charged to the boat owner but after carefully investigating the matter, over many months, the sheer scale and complexity is beyond our capacity.
We will continue discussions with Ndlambe to find a manageable, sustainable and practical solution to this much needed facility.