Dam a hive of activity

Update Video

GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - A number of people opposed to the proposed development at the Garden Route Dam flocked to the site around midday yesterday, Wednesday 12 October, for a visit by the SABC that recorded a news insert for television on the contentious issue.

George Municipality has received environmental approval to develop a proposed university, housing and commercial waterfront on the 118ha site. The deadline for appeals was also yesterday.

Various organisations and hundreds of individuals, through these organisations, have appealed.

Some of the biggest fears of the community for a development of this extent so close to the dam are sewage pollution and storm water run-off into the city's only water source, and impact on natural biodiversity and environmentally sensitive areas.

According to the proposal, a total of 67 hectares is proposed to remain undeveloped and must be rehabilitated and maintained.

The item is expected to be on SABC Channel 404 today, 12 October, from 17:30 and the 18:00 broadcast.

Read more on Thursday in George Herald and online.