Update

GEORGE NEWS - 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 runoff into the city's only water source, and impact on natural biodiversity and environmentally sensitive areas.

One critically endangered fynbos lily (Gladiolus fourcadei) is found here and the Landmark Foundation has satellite tracking data that has shown the presence of leopard here. 

According to the biodiversity report, there are several endemic and near endemic bird species, and endangered/near threatened mammals (shrew, moles, bats and rats). A total of 67ha of the site is proposed to remain undeveloped and must be rehabilitated and maintained.

Some of the residents who were out and about over midday. Photos: Alida de Beer

Control burn

Concern was expressed by André Potgieter, spokesperson for Garden Route 101, an association of residents, about a control burn undertaken by the municipality on Tuesday 11 October. Fynbos veld on the southern side of the property was burned. Potgieter questioned the timing, saying that it was just before the SABC's visit.

Municipal communications chief Chantel Edwards in response said it was part of a pre-scheduled group of planned control burns to be undertaken before the start of the fire season. 

A public notice was issued the day before, notifying of proposed burns in the areas of concern, namely Dellville Park (Pacaltsdorp), the area behind Honda George, the Garden Route Dam (southern flank), and east of Denneoord.

"These are all areas located adjacent to residential sites and the control burn serves to reduce the fuel load - such as dead leaves, tree limbs and other debris - to prevent wildfires spreading. Environmentalists would also know that it is common practice to use fire to promote and maintain culturally important plant resources."

She said the burn was activated on Tuesday because weather conditions, including wind direction, were right, and because the Garden Route District Fire Services were available to assist with monitoring.

"Regarding the Garden Route Dam development project, it must be noted that the two biodiversity reports prepared during the environmental impact assessment contain records of all indigenous species present throughout the entire site.

"These reports can be accessed via www.sescc.net."

Garden Route Dam Action Group (Gardag) chairperson Desireé du Preez (left) and Wessa chairperson Christine Ridge-Schnaufer on the dam wall. Photo: Alida de Beer