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Author: Marillia Veldkornet

Air Quality officials contribute to workshop held at NMU

The Sub-directorate:  Environmental Law Enforcement (Region 3), George of the Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning recently requested the Air Quality unit of Garden Route District Municipality, to do a presentation at the George Campus of Nelson Mandela University (NMU), as part of their annual Structural Practical Workshop.

Dr Johann Schoeman, District Manager for Air Quality Officer at Garden Route District Municipality, during his presentation to the students.
Student listen attentively to the presentation made by Mr Angus Andries, District Air Quality Officer, at Garden Route District Municipality

The Air Quality Unit was invited for the purpose to share information and educate the NMU second year students registered on the University’s Forestry and Wood Technology programme, on the basic Environmental Law and Management Principles.

This year, the Air Quality Unit once again partook in the session. Dr Johann Schoeman, the District Air Quality Manager, and Mr Angus Andries, the District Air Quality Officer from Garden Route District Municipality, presented the topics ‘Introduction to Air Quality Management,’ as well as ‘Atmospheric Emissions Licencing and the roles and responsibilities of the emission control officers in the Wood Drying industry’.

The presentations were well received and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning commended the Garden Route District Municipality for their input at the workshop.

Visitors applaud Garden Route DM resorts after their 2018/2019 holiday stay

Employees of the Garden Route District Municipality (Garden Route DM) resorts were warmly commended by guests who visited one of the four resorts of Garden Route DM during the 2018/2019 summer holiday.  These resorts include: Swartvlei Resort, Victoria Bay Caravan Park, De Hoek Mountain Resort and Calitzdorp Spa.

Calitzdorp Spa

The Victoria Bay Caravan Park was fully booked from 15 December to 04 January, the Swartvlei Resort from 15 December to 2 January, De Hoek Mountain Resort was full from 24 December to 02 January and the Calitzdorp Spa was 65% booked from 24 December to 2 January.  This period is regarded as the most critical period of the peak season.

Swartvlei Caravan Park

“This year, visitors left from as early as 2 January, due to the early start of the schools,” Willie Fourie, Manager of Resorts at the Garden Route DM said.  “With regard to the use of alcohol, visitors were prohibited from using alcohol at the pool areas to ensure the safety of all,” Fourie added.

De Hoek Mountain Resort

Most guests described their stay as an “absolutely amazing experience” and the facilities and overall area as “neat, safe and as an area well-managed”.  Apart from the experience of the stay, the staff members at all resorts were commended for their friendliness and helpfulness. One of the visitors said:  “We felt safe all the time and really appreciated how well managed the entire area was”.

Victoria Bay Caravan Park

These four resorts are known for their diverse characteristics, practical and convenient locations and are liked by many for the quality of service they offer during a visitor’s stay.

Council and Management would like to extend a word of appreciation to all Resort staff for their continuous commitment and dedication to ensure that all visitors of the Garden Route DM resorts are well looked after.  Visitors to these resorts will always regard their stay as an experience which they will always remember.

A selection of reviews received from the visitors:

  • “Rarely do we appreciate the good that various government organisations are doing and I think that your establishment is definitely worth mentioning.”
  • “You called from your cell number and assisted us in such a wonderful and friendly manner, even though it was passed midnight.”
  • “Thank you for coming to check up on us on the Saturday as well, your efficiency and professionalism is truly the very reason the space is so well managed and kept so beautifully.”
  • “The facilities and location was really well maintained, the toilets were always clean and the grounds beautifully maintained.”
  • “Service staff were very friendly and helpful and always smiling and willing to help; even the law enforcement.  We felt safe all the time and really appreciated how well managed the entire area is.” 
  • “We aren’t regular campers and this has made the experience and the concept of camping really amazing and we thank you and all the various team members, it has really been one of many trips to a place that is so amazing.”
  • “Ons was baie goed ontvang en verwelkom deur kampeerders.”
  • “Hoop dit gaan die begin wees van vele vir ons…baie dankie.”
  • “Dankie vir ‘n netjiese en vredevolle kampterein :)”
  • “Thank you for an amazing five day stay. What a super friendly place… It has been a long time since we stayed in a caravan park and I loved it.”
  • “Ons het weer heerlik gekuier.”
  • “Again to you and your municipality well done!”