JAN H is correct in saying that the municipality fritters money away. However Jeff Bratby's dream is not only a pipe dream – he has spent much time in taking action and he puts a lot of effort into arranging cleanup projects to help those dreams become a reality ("Opportunities will flow once we clean up", January 22).
Even Dubai was once a patch of barren desert, but now it sports the tallest building in the world and even has a snow park.
Most people are praising the Port Elizabeth Boardwalk's man-made water feature, yet ignore the possibilities of Uitenhage's existing river. It would be good if we all cast the negative attitudes aside and put our focus on the more positive.
It would be wise for businessmen to invest in river resort facilities. Uitenhage has no such family entertainment close by – the closest is Holmeleigh Farm and see how popular that is.
It would just take the right people with the right mindset to convert the river area from the local rubbish dump into a magnificent, popular family and tourist attraction. Can you imagine how wonderful it could be to watch paddle boats, canoes and maybe even water-skiing taking place on the river while enjoying an ice-cream, coffee or meal at a restaurant along its banks?
There is so much potential for all sorts of development along the river. It really would be in Uitenhage's interest to support Bratby's dreams.
Uitenhage is close to the Addo Park, to the Garden Route and the sea. The Karoo is a stone's throw away. Curio shops, coffee bars, a game centre, chalets or an hotel would be a tourist's dream. It could also create job opportunities.
Let's forget about the bankrupt municipalities and challenge business concerns to get involved. They are the ones who will score, because Uitenhage could become a major tourist attraction.
Marion Baars, Blue Horizon Bay
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