Marina Martinique
Marina Martinique in Jeffrey’s Bay was developed in the 1980’s as a playground for the ultra wealthy. The crash of Master Bond saw the end of South Africa’s only lock system in the Eastern Cape and indeed the country, but the man who developed it was a Christian visionary.
The lock system, designed in England, transformed boring coastal topography into a colourful marina with yachts, small boats tide to moorings, and a paddle steamer complete with pub, all of which complimented multi million rand real estate. The crown of the development were the beautiful dwellings which straddled the canals, which only the well heeled could afford. Even big names such as South Africa’s Minister of Defense, D.F.Malan, was said to have bought property on the marina.
The development of the marina was a good idea considering the economic stagnation in the Eastern Cape, Port Elizabeth and its environs, but after Master Bond’s demise there were no visionaries to equal the likes of MM’s original architect in my opinion, and all the meaningful design and operational features that made Marina Martinique so unique were allowed to fall into disrepair, sometimes purposely engineered that way through lack of foresight. An example of the locks demise was allowing the barge, which cleared the channel to the open sea, to be sold off resulting in the channel closing up completely. Another bad idea was the removal of the paddle steamer with its decks and pub from the marina’s waterways as it was this special feature which added to the marina’s air of opulence. Another serious blow was sealing the lock entrance which brought to an end the operation of the mechanical bridge, which in those days could be raised, to allow yachts with their tall masts to pass through unobstructed.
However, if the good fortunes of the original idea could ever be capitalized on, it has surely been dealt a death blow with the development of a squatter camp and low cost housing for South Africa’s indigenous population, a mere stones throw from this extraordinary complex. Multi million rand homes now face dingy four by four cement box views which house the masses of poor and illiterate people, not a good planning scenario for someone who wants to make a good investment in my opinion, although it is glaringly apparent that the poor need homes. Ever heard the saying for a good property investment? Location, location, location…..! However the purchase and development of property still continues on MM’s canals, and I have personally enjoyed watching children swimming along the canal dykes within the confines of the gated complex, and those with motorboats speeding up and down the canals enjoying themselves under the sunny skies of Jeffrey’s Bay.
Marina Martinique remains a testimony of what can be achieved in bringing lock system technology from Europe for creative local use so that communities can prosper through investment. The businessman who brought so much development to places like Lonehill and Marina Martinique has since retired, but many today enjoy the fruits of his exceptional creations.
To use these images quote: Our Christian Heritage/www.portelizabethtimes.blogspot.com/jpg 090/2009
