26 June 2019
3
www.thevillagenews.co.za
Another step to connect Cliff Path the highwater mark in Poole’s Bay or secondly a concrete path with the same specifications entirely below the highwater mark of the sea in Poole’s Bay (except for the connection points to the existing Cliff Path which is above the highwater mark).
The connection of the Cliff Path in Hermanus has come another step closer with the start this week of a public participation process for the basic assessment for environmental authorisation. What this means in layman’s terms is that the environmental consultants Ecosense have been appointed as the independent Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAP) responsible for facilitating the basic assessment process for the proposed pedestrian path to connect the two sections of the existing Hermanus Cliff Path via Poole’s Bay.
The document states that due to the locality of this project, no detrimental impacts to the environment or affected parties are expected; on the contrary, this proposed activity will strive to enhance social impacts.
According to Ecosense the applicant is the Cliff Path Action Group (CPAG), which will facilitate and implement the connection of the Cliff Path, should it be approved by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. The public participation document states the proposed pathway would be located in Poole’s Bay and will connect to the existing Cliff path in the West at Sea Road and in the East at Mickey Way next to Mollergren Park. “The current proposal is for a path built from concrete with a rough aggregate to encourage staining and seaweed / mussel shell growth. There would be no materials that could be damaged in high storm seas. It would consist of spanning, doweled and steppingstone or slab sections to accommodate the biophysical constraints of this area. The spanning sections will rely on a shifting, reusable formwork profile with replaceable shuttering. Steel-reinforced concrete will allow for spans between concrete column supports and the rough aggregate surface will be trowelled to achieve an organic, rounded curvature,” according to the document. It is further foreseen that the doweled sections would follow a similar structural principle,
The 850 m strecth of coastline at Poole's Bay that is not connected to the Cliff Path. but would be anchored into the existing rock, rather than being supported by columns. The steppingstone / slab sections will be cast in place using an adjustable formwork, which will allow for precise, neat and environmentally friendly pouring. Some sections which are accessible along the beach may only require subtle demarcation for users of the path to refrain from entering private property. Because the walkway would mostly be built on the seaward side of the highwater mark, there would be times when it would not be safely accessible, and appropriate signage would be required to advise the public to be aware of sea conditions before using this part of the walk. The document states that the intention of CPAG is to facilitate safer access to this part of the coast in the least disruptive and most practical way. The proposal would result in the optimal
utilisation of the site with minimal adverse impacts on the ecological environment. It is also seen as an enhancement of the world-famous Hermanus Cliff Path and would therefore be in line with the goals of the municipal planning frameworks and integrated development plan. It would further be in line with the strategies and the objectives of the National Environmental Management Integrated Coastal Management Act which aims to provide the public with safe and equitable access to coastal resources to the public. Currently, in the pre-application phase of the development, two layout alternatives are being considered, which are being informed by the topography of the land: First is a concrete path with various dowelled, spanning and steppingstone / slab sections, following the topography of the coast and erf boundaries as far as possible, which may in some cases, be above
“Impacts normally associated with construction activities include disturbance, outside construction footprint, noise, littering, etc. In order to mitigate these impacts, specifications have been included in the Environmental Management Programme (EMPr), which must be adhered to. These include demarcated restriction of construction activities on the site to minimise any potential disturbance to the surrounding area; following an integrated waste management approach during construction and operation; the rehabilitation of disturbed areas must take place after the completion of construction and environmental awareness training must be given to construction staff. Members of the public are invited to participate in the process by providing comments. The Basic Assessment Report will be available at the Hermanus Public Library from 24 June 2019 and online at www.ecosense.co.za/documents-for-public-review. The participation process closes on 24 July 2019. The application reference number must accompany any correspondence and comments. Should you wish to register as a stakeholder or have any further queries or comments, please contact Kozette Myburgh of Ecosense at PO Box 1426 Knysna, 6570. You can call her on 021 161 0258 or send an email to kozette@ecosense.co.za.
Good news for security in Overstrand From P1 Both parties agreed that this money should be invested for maximum impact on the efforts by both governments to create safer communities. Fritz said that dialogue with interested stakeholders to find solutions was vital and both parties committed to follow-up dialogue sessions on a regular basis for this purpose. “We now look forward to building a solid, constructive and productive relationship with Minister Cele and his team going forward with
the aim of ensuring that the ongoing surge in crime in this province is ended and every possible means is provided to assist the South African Police Service in achieving this goal,” said Fritz The ombudsman investigation team is currently visiting the Overstrand for public meetings and engagement with the various communities with regards to policing in the area. Some of the issues raised at the meeting in Kleinmond concerned poaching with many locals turning to this practice as there are very few employment opportunities that will allow
them to earn a living in a legal way. Some spoke about corruption of officials around the quota system, as well as DAFF/SAPS officials colluding with organized poaching syndicates and the numbers gangs.
means that the different types of crime are attended to on the priority levels defined by SAPS. There is a concern that poaching for example, is a category B crime and not considered a top priority by SAPS.
The issues of substance abuse and various other social ills resulting in the increase in criminal activities such as house breaking and burglary, theft, domestic abuse, assault, rape, and murder were also highlighted. The community felt that there were not enough SAPS / Law Enforcement resources to manage or contain these crimes. The lack of personnel and vehicles for instance,
The next round of public meetings will take place in Hawston at the Thusong Hall on 25 June from 11:00 to 13:00, Gansbaai at the Masakhane Community Hall on 25 June at 14:00 to 16:00, Hermanus on 27 June at the Municipal Banqueting Hall from 11:00 to 15:00 and Betty’s Bay on 1 July at the Crassula Hall from 11:00 to 15:00.
