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GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - Stakeholders consisting of various environmental, civic and business organisations, municipal councillors and academics met on Tuesday 7 March to discuss the systemic impact of poorly regulated growth and development and its socio-ecological impact on the primary city of George and the Garden Route.
The workshop was facilitated by Business Café in collaboration with Uneso Garden Route Biosphere Reserve.
Prof Robert Fincham, chairperson of the Uneso Garden Route Biosphere Reserve, warned about the challenges and said that the Garden Route could become the "concrete route".
Dr Dennis Farrell of the Business Café told George Herald that the participating stakeholders are not anti-development. Development should and must take place, but it must be done in a responsible manner, taking into consideration the available carrying capacity of available natural resources and supportive infrastructure. This includes water, reticulation systems, roads, and the unique natural character of the Garden Route.
He said more and more people are coming to the Garden Route and settling in both formal and informal townships or settlements. The intent of the workshop was to develop a collaborative partnership in addressing opportunities and challenges facing the Garden Route.
VIDEO: Workshop on the way forward
VIDEO: The way forward
The ideas and outcomes expressed will be documented for a follow-up workshop and engagement with the provincial and local government.
During the meeting smaller groups discussed challenges and participants made various proposals. These included change to municipal by-laws, legal action, peaceful protest, forming of pressure groups and community projects. Even the withholding of taxes was mentioned, but it was pointed out that it is illegal.
One group reported that it is important that society must learn how to complain as the productive power should be in their hands.
People should also vote for people who are prepared to listen.
Farrell emphasised that renewed focus must be placed on restoring trust and creating opportunities for collaboration, and that outcomes must be solution-driven.
The workshop underway. Photo: Eugene Gunning
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