GR Dam development: What the political parties say

GEORGE NEWS - What is the point of view of political parties regarding the proposed Garden Route Dam development?

George Herald found out.

EFF

The EFF will "definitely" support the development, said spokesperson Hein Scheepers. "There is a shortage in tertiary educational institutions. We need universities so that we can produce graduated citizens who can contribute to the economy. The presence of more students will also stimulate the local economy through their spending at businesses and on accommodation."

He said, though, that there should be checks and balances regarding environmental impact and pollution. "Consultants have been appointed to look at the impacts so the recommendations will hopefully be based on scientific evidence."

Freedom Front Plus

Adv Gert van Niekerk of the Freedom Front Plus said they welcome any development that will boost the local economy, but the area around the dam is ecologically sensitive and potential pollution from a development right on the banks of George's main water resource cannot be ruled out.

"We have only the dam as water source and it is of utter importance that we protect it. Raw sewage is already flowing into our drinking water because of years of negligence. Also, the western side of the city is lying open for new development."

ANC

Nomawethu Jantjies of the ANC said they would support any development that alleviates poverty, creates jobs and is racially integrated. "And if there is going to be a university, it would be supported even more strongly as the existing university in George does not offer all the faculties and it cannot supply indefinitely in the demand for tertiary education."

ALSO READ: Petition against dam development

DA

George Mayor Leon van Wyk on behalf of his party, the DA, said a public participation process has taken place where the public was able to lodge their comments.

"We are awaiting the decision on the environmental impact assessment. The concerns of the public were raised during that process. From what is being stated, it appears that the same civil society organisations who would already have provided comment are now once again organising a petition without understanding the processes. We need to await the outcome of the EIA."

Icosa

Wilbur Harris says Icosa supports the development of a university. "It will offer a wider choice of faculties and disciplines than currently available in George. The positive impact on our local economy will also be significant, like the Stellenbosch University in Stellenbosch."

PBI

PBI party leader Virgill Gericke says they welcome the establishment of a university close to the Garden Route Dam. "It will invite huge investment opportunities and job creation, and will benefit business. Since we are striving towards the status of a secondary city, this development will contribute immensely towards that objective.

"It shows a great deal of prejudice and bias when neighbours assume that pollution will take place. The environmental impact assessment study must secure that the development is safe for everyone. We call on all experts to make this development a reality and contribute towards an integrated and diverse city."