SOUTHBROOM NEWS - DECEMBER 2008

>> WARNING - CROCODILES & TRAPS IN IMBEZANE RIVER

If you happen to see painted 2 litre Coke bottles or Shark's Board buoys floating up or down the Imbezane River, please leave them well alone - they may have a crocodile attached to them!

Howard Kelly and Allan Peckham successfully captured one of the wayward crocodiles this week and are appealing to the public to assist in returning those remaining to Riverbend Crocodile Farm.

All you need to do is call Howard or Allan IMMEDIATELY you sight activity. One of them will be with you in 10 minutes.

Howard Kelly on 083-265-9583

Allan Peckham on 083-500-4054

Also, if you happen to see a croc on the river bank or beach, please keep looking at it and call Howard or Allan. Apparently, the croc will not move but as soon as you take your eyes off it, it will slip off into the water and disappear.

Please use the river and lagoon with care and please report any croc activity immediately.

>> WARNING - E. COLI IN SOUTHBROOM RIVERS

HEALTH ALERT

The results of ground water run-off testing in Southbroom show a critical and unacceptably high count of the bacteria E. Coli. These results indicate the ineffective operation of Septic Tanks in Southbroom.

YOU CAN HELP - BE MINDFUL OF YOUR SEPTIC TANK

With immediate effect it is recommended that all residents both check and treat their septic tank systems. See full details below.

FULL REPORT

Calling all homeowners and residents with septic tank sewerage systems.

During the last 18 months comprehensive independent sampling of the quality of ground run off water in Southbroom has been carried out fortnightly in locations which cover the majority of Southbroom's run off water before it enters the sea.

The results show unacceptably high levels of E. Coli bacteria and clearly indicate that the septic tank sewerage disposal systems used by the majority of Southbroom residences are not functioning effectively and safely.

Urgent action must be taken to reduce E Coli levels. This can be achieved if septic tanks deliver their promised clean run off water.

Failure to achieve this will probably lead to alternative sewerage systems being imposed by local government at significantly higher costs to ratepayers than a correctly functioning septic tank system.

Three elements are fundamental to a successful outcome -

1. The septic tank and soakaway must be treated regularly with a bacteriological agent to ensure that the system remains effective.

The following products are recommended.

For the treatment of the Septic Tank via the toilet bowl:

(a) Bio Systems STR;

(b) Fine Sorb Soakbuster 2 KG bags

For the treatment of Soakaways:

(a) Bio Soakaway Cleaner (SAC);

(b) Fine Sorb Soakbuster 2 KG bags

Information sheets on the Bio-System products are available from info@biosystemssa.co.za

The application of the Fine Sorb products in a combined system can be done through the toilet bowl or kitchen drain. It is hoped that the Fine Sorb (HEBO-STE) products will be available from the Southbroom store.

2. The septic tank system relies on the natural bacteria reduction of organic waste in the water. It is very sensitive to contaminates such as: cigarette butts; plastics; fabric products - disposable nappies and female textiles; non biodegradable chemicals; hydrocarbons - oil, paint, paraffin; PVA paint residue; washing machine and dishwashing detergents.

Please be aware of this and be considerate about what you and your family dispose of down the toilet and drain.

3. The most effective septic tank systems separate black water (organic human waste) which discharges to the septic tank, from that of grey water (all other domestic waste water) which discharges direct to the soakaway. Regrettably, contrary to best practice, most Southbroom systems combine black and grey water.

It is likely that black and grey water may have to be separated in future.

In order to remedy our serious problem, it is imperative that all Southbroom ratepayers and residents participate in and comply with the proposed treatment recommendations and thus achieve a significant reduction in E. Coli counts through an effective and safe septic tank operation.

Thank you for your support and cooperation.

A Southbroom Ratepayers and Conservancy Initiative

>> WARNING - NEW INVADER PLANTS IN SOUTHBROOM

The latest threat that faces KwaZulu-Natal, Pom Pom Weed (Campuloclinium macrocephalum) is displaying its gaudy wares at Southbroom north entrance.

Rapidly becoming the most serious threat to grasslands in South Africa, Pom Pom Weed initially establishes itself in disturbed sites such as roadsides, but then invades natural grasslands, open savanna and wetlands. This weed displaces indigenous species, reducing carrying capacity and biodiversity.

Pom Pom Weed is suspected of being able to chemically inhibit the growth of other plants. Even dead plant material can inhibit, therefore where there are small infestations it is advisable to remove all cut stems and destroy by burning.

Visit: http://www.geocities.com/wessaaliens/species/pompom.htm

Ageratum (Ageratum conyzoides and Ageratum houstonianum) are also on the increase in Southbroom. They are two of the more widespread of KwaZulu-Natal's weeds and invade a range of environments including forest, woodland, grassland, cultivated land, riverbanks, wetlands and coastal dunes. They are a pioneer weed and indicate that land is susceptible to invasion before the establishment of dominating weed species such as Triffid (Chromolaena) and Lantana.

Get hold of a copy of the WESSA-KZN Wildlife Handbook "Invasive Alien Plants in KwaZulu-Natal - Management and Control" and do your bit to preserve our natural heritage.

POM POM WEED

AGERATUM

>> WARNING - DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE

Especially not outside of Southbroom! The 'boys in blue' are already active on the coastal roads and we wish you and yours a hassle and incident free holiday.

Enough of the warnings! Here's to a great festive season filled with family and friends, health and happiness.

DATES TO DIARISE

Monday

15 December 2008

Exhibition of paintings, sculptures and wood turning

18h00, Southbroom Square

  20% of the profits will go to South Coast Hospice.

Open from 10h00 to 16h00 until 19 December and thereafter by appointment until the end of the year. Contact Olly or Robin Ransome on 039-314-9366.

Thursday

18 December 2008

Carols by Candle Light

18h00, Eyles Park

Bring your picnic hamper and deck chair and enjoy a relaxed evening and fellowship of friends. Park at the Tennis Courts.

Arrive at 17h00 and enjoy a guided walk of the Bushbuck Trail.

Friday

19 December 2008

Carols by Candle Light

18h00, Eyles Park

If rained out on Thursday 18th December, we'll meet on Friday 19th. Same time, same place, same agenda.

Saturday

20 December 2008

All Ratepayers and Residents are invited to attend and to vote in the new committees.

Annual General Meeting

Southbroom Ratepayers Association

Saturday 20 December 2008; 09h00; at Southbroom Golf Club

Annual General Meeting

Southbroom Property Owners Association (Urban Improvement Precinct) & Community Policing Forum

Saturday 20 December 2008; 10h00; at Southbroom Golf Club

Tuesday

6 January 2009

AGM - Southbroom Conservancy

Tuesday 6th January 2009; 17h00; at Southbroom Tennis Club.

Meet at 16h00 and enjoy a guided walk of the Bushbuck Trail.

Pam Osborne, who has tackled Everest, Kilimanjaro and Machu Picchu will share the nature she encountered along the way.

THANKSGIVING

Southbroom Library thanks

 Sharon Cowie of Southbroom Hair

for her generous donation of 24 children's books.

"This is my 'give back' to the Southbroom Community this year," said Sharon. "I wish all of Southbroom, Southbroom Hair clients, and the wonderful people who travel into Southbroom and support our little town, a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR."

SOUTHBROOM LIBRARY

NOW ALSO OPEN ON SATURDAYS ...

AND FOR ART, TEA, COFFEE & BISCOTTI

VISIT US ON:

Tuesdays: 09h00 - 16h00

Thursdays: 09h00 - 16h00

Saturdays: 09h00 - 11h00