NIEU-BETHESDA NEWS — It is said that “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time to plant a tree is now.”
The avenue of pear trees that line the road leading into Nieu-Bethesda was planted decades ago and is an asset to the village for many reasons. Come September, the trees are covered in a white gown of blossoms that have made this road quite famous.
The pristine beauty of the trees with the Compassberg in the background adds dramatically to the aesthetic value of the town. When the pears ripen in the late Summer, they offer fresh juicy fruit to the local populace. Residents arrive with long, slender poles to knock down the fruit and those with tree climbing skills have access to an extra bounty. The trees provide deep shade for flocks of sheep that graze in the meadows below and are also a haven for fruit eating birds.
A troop of baboons that lives in the koptjies also descend into the valley to feast on the pears when villagers are not around. The people who planted these trees are no longer witness to the benefits of this beautiful avenue – but their vision remains and is appreciated by many.
The Nieu-Bethesda municipality, in conjunction with the Community Work Programme (CWP) and facilitator Justin Duckitt of CUER projects, have recently taken on a tree planting project in the village. Their mission is to plant trees on an ongoing basis to line all the streets of Nieu-Bethesda and Pienaarsig, and also to set up food projects on all available land for private clients, municipal and community projects.
Over the past week, the team from the CWP showed their passion for the future of this project by digging no fewer than 21 three cubic metre holes along the road towards Pienaarsig. This took enormous effort. Without the commitment of these men under the management Nellie Olifant of the municipality, and the guidance of Justin Duckitt – none of this would have happened.
This stretch of road is a walkway for people moving between Pienaarsig and Nieu-Bethesda. An avenue of pear trees will add shade, beauty and food for the community in years to come. On Youth Day almond trees were planted in the village, and 8 pear trees were planted in the newly dug holes by members of CUER projects. Ten pear trees and seven cypress trees are lined up to be planted next. Nieu-Bethesda is extremely grateful to Blue Magnolia nursery who sold the trees at a discounted price. The trees were carefully planted and have been protected from roving livestock with wire cages, also made possible by discounted fencing from BuildIt.
But the costs of planting a tree are great. When one adds up the price of labour, fertiliser, the tree itself, fencing and watering the tree for three years until it is established, each tree will cost about R1 000.
Duckitt envisions each tree being sponsored by interested parties - either in its entirety - or as smaller donations. With the assistance of the committed people of the village, this project can literally grow into something of great magnitude and benefit the entire community for decades to come. Anyone wishing to sponsor a tree can contact Justin on 079 891 9055 - any donation, no matter how big or small, is most welcome.
The ancient Greeks said, “A society grows great when men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”
Nieu-Bethesda is grateful to the CWP and interested parties, for working towards the betterment of the village and for engaging in projects that really mean something to the whole town. Their vision and hard work will benefit generations to come.
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