Refilwe Mekoa
The Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality has recently given feedback on all new developments on Naval Hill. According to executive mayor, Thabo Manyoni, the developments, which include a planetarium, restaurant and more viewing platforms on the hill, promise to be overwhelming and good for local economy. Although there is much excitement around these developments, some residents are concerned about their much loved nature reserve. Courant spoke to a few readers and this is what they had to say about the new developments.
Mpolokeng Mokhaneli (16) says the new developments at Naval Hill are a good initiative for the city. “I can’t wait to go and have a view of Bloemfontein while eating. It is a nice and cool place. Most people are going to enjoy being there,” he says.
Gilan Kruger (24) says Naval Hill is the only place in Bloemfontein that has wildlife. “There will be a lot of people going there but I don’t see where the developments are to happen; there is not space for developments ánd animals. I love to see the animals walking around there. It’s going to be on a nice place, but if it will affect the animals it won’t be good,” he says. Kruger says when people pass Bloemfontein they know about Naval Hill and want to see it.
Cindy Titus (25) thinks the new development at Naval Hill is good for the economy and local businesses. “On the other hand, what about nature and the animals there?” she says. Marieke Leeuw (28) says she would visit Naval Hill at night, sit and eat pizza looking at the view. “I will go there once to see what is going on, but it is not safe anymore. Even if there is security at the gate, there are still people going through the fence,” says Leeuw.
Elize Swanepoel (64) says any kind of development is good for Bloemfontein. “We need more people in Bloemfontein for money to come in. It has been a long time since I’ve visited Naval Hill, but I will go again after the completion of these new developments. The animals are the nice thing about the place and make it special,” says Swanepoel.
refilwe@centralmediagroup.co.za
