Update

GEORGE NEWS - The 30-day commenting period on the pre-application draft scoping report for the proposed university precinct development at the Garden Route Dam and associated infrastructure has been extended to 21 August 2020.

Betsy Ditcham from Sharples Environmental Services, the environmental consultants on the project, says the decision is based on requests by interested and affected parties. 

The DBAR (draft basic assessment report) will remain available on the SES website, for comment until 21 August.

Votes collected against development
At the weekend, two residents stationed themselves at the dam to do a survey among visitors. According to one of the concerned ladies, Hester Kruger, about 800 people took part and there was unanimity among the respondents who gave an "overwhelming and definite no" to the development. 

"We hope that our voices will be heard," she told the newspaper.

Some environmental watchdogs are concerned about the pollution of the town's only water source and the complete change in the sense of place of the area that the development would bring. 

The area is loved by many residents who run, walk and cycle there.

In addition to a university campus (including student housing), the proposal is to also provide housing and a commercial waterfront development.

The relevant documents for the project can be downloaded from the web site as follows:
Click on the “Public Documents” tab.
Click “Read more” under the appropriate project description.
Click on “Register” and follow the prompts.
All documents will now be available for download and review.

Comment on the document and proposed activity must be submitted in writing on or before 21 August 2020 by means of the following: Fax: 086-575 2869, email: betsy@sescc.net or postal address: PO Box 443, Milnerton, 7435.