ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS - A plan the George Council approved last year to deal with illegal encroachment by some front-dune properties upon public land on Wilderness Beach is based on voluntary co-operation by the property owners.
Concerns have been raised about the rehabilitation of the dune, on which many properties have been extended onto a municipal road reserve on the beach.
Wilderness resident Dr Arne Witt, biodiversity specialist of the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (Cabi), says the matter has been brought to the attention of George Municipality on various occasions since 2017, but no action is taken.
There is potential for municipal liability in case of property damage due to the rising sea levels, or personal injury due to infrastructure such as steps erected by property owners.
Witt says double standards seem to apply as law enforcement and the Wilderness Ratepayers and Residents Association (WRRA) recently demolished an illegal shack on the dunes. At the same time, some foredune property owners, especially those who cater for tourists, are benefitting from public land at the expense of the environment.
Some owners have placed sand-filled bags along the base of the foredune to limit beach erosion in front of their properties, which Witt says is also illegal. The bags break down over time, causing nylon strands to be scattered on the beach.
"The George Municipality is quick to fine people who bring their dogs onto beaches where they are not permitted, which is good, but it has an inability to deal with landowners who have removed vegetation, extended their lawns, and built permanent structures, etc. on public land."
Nylon strands from some of the sandbags.
The municipality's plan
Delia Power, Deputy Director: Development and Environmental Planning, said last year, the Council approved a plan to address encroachments, and since then, the municipality has been working with the affected landowners and relevant provincial and national departments to ensure that the correct legal processes are followed.
"Our approach has been to support voluntary compliance and to build co-operative relationships with landowners, as this leads to better long-term outcomes for the dune system and the community. In cases in which notices have been issued by the municipality in terms of the National Building Regulations, the municipality is proceeding with the appropriate legislative enforcement action."
Dune rehabilitation plan
A service provider is also being appointed to develop a dune rehabilitation and maintenance management plan under the National Environmental Management Act, which will guide the restoration of areas where encroachments have been removed.
Projections for wave run-up have been made, which must be considered by owners when developing their properties to ensure suitable protection measures within property boundaries.
Sand-filled bags break down and cause nylon pollution.
"The erection of structures and private use of coastal public property without approval are not permitted, as these can damage the sensitive dune system, affect neighbouring properties, affect public access and result in legal action," said Power.
'Homeowners are aware'
A homeowner in Sands Road, who wants to remain anonymous, said some of the residents are upset about the changes to come, but others are admitting encroachment and are signing up for the idea of rehabilitation.
"We take note and are mindful of the studies done. Some of us are informing ourselves as to how we should go about it."
Charl Jacobs, chairperson of the WRRA, was approached for comment, but did not reply.
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