Public participation invited on river management plans

ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS - George Municipality has released draft river management plans (RMPs), including maintenance management plans (MMPs), for the Gwaiing, Schaapkop and Meulen Rivers.

The plans, developed by Zutari (Pty) Ltd, are open for public review and comment from 15 August to 15 September.

The RMPs aim to ensure the efficient upkeep of existing infrastructure while enhancing the ecological functioning and ecosystem services of these important rivers.

Copies of the draft plans are available online via the George Municipality’s website, as well as in hard copy at the George Public Library in Caledon Street and the Planning and Development offices at 46 Market Street.

An open day for public engagement will be held on Thursday 28 August, from 08:30 to 15:30 at the Planning offices (formerly York Hostel), 46 Market Street. A presentation is scheduled for 11:00.

Residents, stakeholders and interested parties are encouraged to register, study the documents and submit written comments within the review period. Submissions must include full contact details.

Comments can be submitted to Wynand Loftus of Zutari (Pty) Ltd via email at PPP@zutari.com, by phone on 044 805 5458, or by post to PO Box 509, George, 6530. Project enquiries can be directed to Lauren Josias, environmental officer at the municipality, on 044 801 9451.

Further details and access to documents are available at: www.george.gov.za.

The Garden Route Dam Action Group's map of rivers that run through the George area. The Gwaiing, Schaapkop and Meulen Rivers are situated to the southwest.