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Man-made Infrastructure - Lacking Nature's Holistic Approach.

Man-made Infrastructure - Lacking Nature's Holistic Approach.

Author: Jill Theunissen
Date: 2025-01-28

The word "infrastructure" from the Latin Roots simply means "underneath or below the structure", the early word substructure implied the "Foundation".

The natural structure or Bio-Diversity in a Coastal Forest is unique in its combination of Indigenous trees, shrubs, climbing species, ferns, bulbous plants, groundcovers and forest grasses. This holistic habitat which relies on air, rain water, sun and soil nutrients sustains many mammals from moles, to mongoose, duiker, bushbuck, warthog and often Wild cat or Leopard. The habitat invites a wide spectrum of insects, butterflies, reptiles and birds to complete the 'Balance'. Every tree or plant has a specific Root System, which not only feeds the trees but simultaneously anchors the soil.

The stately Natal Mahogany and Natal Fig Tree are worthy examples of a large Root System, with an evergreen spreading crown, bearing dark green glossy leaves which translocate the carbons. The Glossy leaves deflect the heat from the sun's rays. Under the canopy, in shade, cluster the Large-leaved Dragon trees with broad leaves awaiting rainfall, creating run-off to the roots of their host.

By contrast our Society is dependent on a range of man-made infrastructure for daily living. For 2025, maybe you are selecting a Lot to build your new home? Firstly, the access roadways leading to the area or Estate should offer an engineered surface, complete with stormwater gullies and drains for evacuation to meet the 2022 Flood Record 24hr precipitation. A 2M verge will offer pedestrian access, with speed signs and parking bays to be in place and clearly marked.

All Building structures whether old or new, necessarily require Essential Services to include "Potable" Water, Sanitation with adequate Pipeline Infrastructure to enable waste removal, also Energy components such as Gas and Electricity. Where a Town Planning Scheme indicates infrastructure, it is imperative that the Departments responsible undertake the installations without delay. Many Inland and Rural Areas, including farms, small-holdings, and informal settlements, implement at considerable personal cost water from Boreholes and Dams and install septic tanks which require regular cleaning by a registered provider. Where the Water Supply in not of "Potable" quality there is increase in diseases, e.g. E.coli infections, with costly treatment often necessary.

Where the area is "Established", or presents "Growth" the infrastructure requires Health facilities to include Clinics, Pharmaceutical outlets, Rooms for Doctors and Specialists, and all linked services whether located separately, or within a Hospital, which must provide an efficient 24hr Trauma Clinic and Ambulance Service.

For Regions of human settlement with a working population the availability of Child-caring and Educational facilities are a priority for the community as a whole. Today the working mother wishes to leave her toddler in "Safe Hands" within a registered establishment. Grade 'R' is now the compulsory entry level for all children so a growth region will need to increase the Educational facilities for age groups to Matric. Where there is industrial growth, tourism potential and commercial increase, attention to higher education and technical colleges offering training with technical skills is essential. All teachers, lecturers, and instructors to hold the necessary levels of qualification.

The most critical Service for all Residents, Businesses, Industrial venues, and Agriculture is the Electricity Power Supply. The capability of the designated Administration must be able to ensure continuity of Supply 24/7, regular Maintenance and Up-grade with qualified technicians for every level. Due to the on-going Power Supply problems and annually increasing tariffs, alternative forms of energy namely, Wind Power and Solar are being adopted. To ensure growth, employment opportunities for all, our infrastructure must receive professional planning with relevant budgets. The aspect of Safety and Crime reduction is another Key Issue for all sectors of our community and to restore confidence for Tourism to flourish.

The solution and challenge for 2025 lies in the appointment of "Elite Teams" for each Province with expertise and qualifications combined with not less than 10 years experience, plus a track record of success. The time is here to meet the needs of all Established regions and areas presenting exciting "Growth".

Ref; Infrastructure Ref. Act 10 of 2013.