The way forward for Garden Route Dam

Update

GEORGE NEWS - George Planning and Environment Deputy Director Delia Power says the future use of the Garden Route Dam site must be sustainable.

This comes in response to the Western Cape High Court's ruling to set aside the environmental authorisation for the proposed development of the site following an application by the Garden Route Dam Action Group (Gardag).

"An item will be submitted to George Council to address the solutions that will ensure the utilisation of the site is sustainable and feasible.

"Further notice regarding the development intent will be posted once a mandate from Council has been obtained. The development of the site has been endorsed in the Municipal Spatial Development Framework since 2013," says Power.

Asked about the portion earmarked for the commercial waterfront, she says it is not zoned. "George Municipality undertook the rezoning as part of the larger development, as the waterfront on its own was not considered to be viable. The rezoning application was advertised, but will not advance until a record of decision for development of the site has been granted."

She says the municipality is still awaiting the outcome of its appeal against the Water and Sanitation Department's rejection in 2022 of a water use licence for the proposed development.

She confirms that a new jetty built at the water's edge was approved by the municipality. It was built as a temporary measure for the canoe club and the club is assisting the municipality with the control of Kariba weed.