Little support for Zipline tours

NOORSEKLOOF residents say they will vigorously oppose the Zipline and eco-adventure tours proposed for the area.

Our Times reported that Morne Strydom, of Zip Line Tours, made a proposal to the Kouga municipality to install and manage an eco-adventure tour in the Noorsekloof Gorge.

According to a council agenda, this would include an overhead cable – called a zip line – to carry visitors over the kloof.

Strydom said the construction would be managed by a full-time American zip-line company.

He also plans to take visitors on guided walks to teach them about the indigenous flora and fauna.

Noorsekloof resident Andrew Thuysman said the proposal was ill-conceived and would be vigorously opposed.

"This is a residential area that has not been zoned for commercial activities. It’s a pie in the sky that has not been properly thought through. Before any decisions are made, they need to involve the ratepayers of Noorsekloof who are going to be affected,” he said.

Another resident, who did not want to be named, said he was not in favour of the proposal.

Kouga municipal spokesman Mfundo Sobele said the proposal was yet to be tabled before a full council meeting.

Noorsekloof, proclaimed a conservation area in 1984, consists of 28 hectares which stretch from the beach up the valley through Wavecrest.