Notice from Leisure Isle Residents' Association
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SEAWALL UPDATE!
26 February 2021
Dear <<First Name>>,

SEAWALL REPAIR PROJECT UPDATE

LIRA undertook a major project last year to carry out remedial repairs to the seawall areas that were in urgent need of attention.

After extensive scoping of the work required, we put out an appeal to members to consider donating to the cause. The response was heartening, and thanks to the generosity of many islanders we were able to execute all the items targeted in Phase One, as well as attend to the collapse of a section of the wall in Steenbok Nature Reserve, coupled with some work near the Garden Crescent/Links Drive intersection. 

We believe it correct to provide you with a reminder of the scope of work, as well this summarised breakdown of how the donated funds were spent:

Donations received:  R456,000

LIRA reserve funds used:  R10,000

Total spent:  R466,000



In arriving at our decision to carry out the work, we relied on the fantastic input of a highly skilled technical team who all offered their time and knowledge so generously – from determining the original scope of work, monitoring and reporting progress and ultimately signing off on Phase One. We thank them for their willingness to make a such difference - today the seawall looks, almost seamlessly, in great shape!

When B&V Construction were awarded the repair contract late last year, we were acutely aware of the limited time frame available within which the work needed to be finalised with the looming builders' shutdown – we thank them for their commitment to meeting the contract requirements (and more) so efficiently.

We also need to thank environmental consultant Blue Pebble's Jonathan Kingwill for his attention to detail in making sure all the permissions, permits and paperwork were submitted and approved.
 

Work still required soonest

We are now left with a few additional tasks to complete: the installation of handrails at the reconstructed steps; re-instating the post-and-rail fencing which demarcates the access points to the estuary and some levelling and landscaping along Cearn Drive between the seawall and road edge. 

Again, we call on any members who would be willing to participate in such gardening and beautification to make contact with us; your input would be so appreciated! Many lagoon-side residents take care of their frontage by watering, planting and maintaining and it makes a great difference to the island's aesthetics.

We have placed a fund-raising barometer at the entrance to the island and will update it regularly – our aim is to continue with ongoing maintenance as and when funds permit. This funding is dedicated to the maintenance of the seawall infrastructure only. The technical team are continuing their work and will report on critical repair zones in due course.   

Again, we thank everyone who contributed to improving the status of our seawall. Working together we can make a difference! I reaffirm our ongoing communication with the municipality with regard to its responsibilities and we have in no way allowed this matter to lapse. 

The ongoing tardiness of SANParks and KM to reach an agreement on seawall responsibility is most disappointing - but we will persevere.  Our ward councillor, Sharon Sabbagh, is also mindful of the need to resolve this impasse and is updated regularly.

Kind regards,

Mary-Anne Beviss-Challinor
LIRA Chairman
Email me here, or call 082 651 3767

STEENBOK NEWS

We appeal to all Islanders to consider joining the Friends of Steenbok Nature Reserve!

This is such a valuable natural asset on our island, and it doesn't happen without costs and the devoted efforts and hard work of the Steenbok Mancomm and other volunteers. 

The annual levy is a nominal R500. Join Friends of Steenbok here

The agreement between LIRA/KM/SANParks is up for renewal in 2021 and we will jointly work to ensure that this is achieved and safeguarded for the next ten years. Your contributions will be vital in ensuring we retain this gem.
KM AppKnysna Municipal Services

Report potholes, broken water mains etc here!
The Knynsa Municipality App (left) is now the go-to place to report these sorts of infrastructure issues - with top KM officials advising us so. You can download the app from iTunes or Google Playstore.

Report illegal baiting here!
The all-hours SANParks Rangers' Estuary Duty number is
082 269-5007. Use this to report illegal activities.

The SANParks Knysna general enquiries number is
044 382-2095.
WHAT LIRA DOES FOR YOU!
* Provides 24/7 proactive security
* Sponsors Steenbok Nature Reserve
* Champions peak season law enforcement
* Liaison/lobbying Knysna Municipality
* Liaison Nature Conservation/SANParks
* Beautification of LI
* Employment of gardeners
* Hosts Leisure Isle Festival
* Maintains property values and unequalled lifestyle
* Professional and dedicated volunteer committee serving your interests
SPREAD THE LIRA NEWS!
 
LIRA would like as many Islanders as possible to receive these newsletters.

If you have family members, tenants or friends who would be interested in getting our news, we'd like to add them to our mailing database. Please send email details to Brenda Neall.
 
We welcome your comments and feedback on this newsletter. And your input, too! Your news, ideas, stories, happenings are welcome.

Correspondence: 
Brenda Neall, website & newsletter

To contact LIRA chairperson, Mary-Anne Beviss-Challinor: 
Email her here, or call 082 651 3767.

LIRA website: www.leisureisleknysna.co.za
Sent to you by Leisure Isle Residents' Association

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