02/01/2013
Rod Braby
12:39 PM (23 hours ago)
Dear Colleagues
A very happy and prosperous 2013 to you all.
The weather was rather miserable on the central coastal zone over the switch from 2012 t0 2013, this I think helped the environment a little as many would be environmental terrorists stayed at home or at establishments. A big 3 metre south Atlantic westerly swell arrived on the 24th of December with additional pulses arriving in between which has meant the harvesting of rock lobster has been a challenge. Surfers have had fun. Coastal developments dangerously close to the sea will learn that their short sightedness will cost them dearly and I would hope the insurance companies and municipalities also place the risk not on all the rate payers but only those willing to invest in properties close to the ever encroaching high tide elevation.
Last night due to probable unregulated illegal fireworks the vegetation at the Swakop River Mouth between the sea and the B2 Bridge over the Swakop River caught alight and burnt reeds and trees threatened Swakopmund properties and probably impacted on wildlife and invasive organisms like Rattus rattus. The reeds will now grow far more prolifically now. People were camping in huge numbers at Long Beach, and unregulated fireworks were visible in many places although generally the” exclusion zones” were respected. Some environmental signs were vandalised and the beaches were churned up by 4x4 vehicles in places where it should not be necessary for example on long beach where a perfectly adequate road is situated. I believe it is becoming an inconvenience to beach goers having traffic racing in between them. I have noticed three road kill black-backed Jackal on the B2 between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. A drowning at Long Beach of an elderly man that could have been the result of a cardiac arrest.
Some fines have been issued to campers at Pelican Point and other areas over new year. There were some challenges related to what was discussed during the law enforcement meeting held at Swakopmund on the 8th of December regarding the signs east of the C34 saying a permit is required to use these routes and MET officials telling tourists that this permit is only obtainable at the Swakopmund and Walvis Bay offices was resolved by Mr Davis and Mr Sichombe providing free permits to the Henties Bay Tourism offices. It was suggested that the Permit Required section of the sign should be temporarily “taped over”, this did not occur hence the confusion and contradiction to the brochure.
I think that Mr Sichombe has coordinated well and the staff have performed in both MET and MFMR. I have not had too much discussion with Nampol who were ready to help if needed, MET have used Nampol on some occasions as back-up. Aircraft have been many and no air traffic control at Swakopmund and Henties Bay has meant poor behaviour in this area.
After the 7th of January we will decide on a date to assess this seasons impacts on our new park. It would be great to have another rainy season like 2011 to further help heal the scars of often ignorant but sometimes intentional Yobboes on their pleasure craft that are still defiant of the new regulation intended to protect our heritage for future generations.
Best wishes
