Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
a) What was the (i) scope and (ii) breakdown of the costs of the last major maintenance work done to the infrastructure on Bird Island, Lambert’s Bay, (b) what were the dates of the period for which the reserve was closed for maintenance work and (c)(i) how and (ii) when were these dates communicated to interested and affected parties, including the local staff of CapeNature, the Cederberg Municipality and tourism organisations?
- (i) Bird Island Nature Reserve in Lambert’s Bay undertook major repairs and maintenance required to three key buildings on the Island, during the 2022/23 financial year. Some of the repairs and maintenance related to health and safety compliance to ensure visitor and staff safety. Additionally, enhancements were completed to various public facing areas.
(ii)
Details of expense | Cost |
Maintenance & repair to buildings | R730 415.00 |
Carpentry | R263 132.26 |
Audio visuals | R83 495.00 |
Benches in viewing area | R38 200.00 |
Sandblasting | R361 845.00 |
New gatehouse build | R140 000.00 |
Printing & vinyl applications | R6 380.00 |
Penguin pool roof | R429 237.50 |
Security gate | R16 875.00 |
R2 069 579.76 |
(b) Bird Island Nature Reserve was closed from 3 May until 30 November 2022.
(c) (i) and (ii) The closure dates were communicated to various internal and external parties, as per the table blow.
Communication platform | Audience | Issue/installation date |
In-person discussions | Internal staff informed | Week of 18 April 2022 |
Telephone and e-mail confirmation | Lambert’s Bay Tourism Office - lambertsinfo@mweb.co.za | 29 April 2022 |
Signage at entry gate of reserve indicating temporary closure | Reserve gate | 3 May 2022 |
E-mail communication relating to queries raised | Lambert’s Bay Tourism Office | 26 July 2022 |
Website and social media | Public interface | Duration of closure period 3 May until 30 November 2022 |
