Nicolas Fountain, whose father Ted owns the land on which the quarry is situated, says plans to erect a two meter perimeter fence around the quarry are underway. Thus far, fence posts have been erected.

However, Fountain says certain challenges exist regarding the development, including theft of the fence posts which may delay the process. Another challenge is the cost associated with closing off the area, which Fountain says can be up to R5 million, adding that they must adhere to strict regulations.

Fountain, who is also working as a land developer on the upcoming Witherow Dam Development, which promises commercial and residential developments in the area, says the fence may well only be finished in April or May 2017. “Contrary to popular belief, we do not have the money to fence off the quarry as quickly as people think we can,“ Fortune said.

Winner of the Heidedaler of the Year Award and social activist, Gregory Werner took to social media to show the fence posts around the quarry. Though he admits that he has received no official communication from the Fountains, he says he and the community are happy that no more children will drown in the quarry.

The quarry has made headlines over the years following a number of drownings. In the latest incident in February this year, 16-year-old Justin Jacobs drowned after reportedly having gone for a swim with his friends. His body was found five days later.

Pulane Choane/OFM News