The Edge Community Newspaper 19 December 2012 Page 5
Riveting Guest Speaker at Ratepayers AGM
Vernon Gibbs-Halls who is Environmental Manager at Eden Municipality was the guest speaker at this year’s AGM of Sedgefield Ratepayers and Voters Association. In his interesting and pertinent presentation he explained that Eden is a district Municipality that encompasses the local Municipalities of Bitou (Plettenberg Bay), Hessequa (Riversdale) Kannaland (Ladismith), Knysna, Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn.
In conjunction with these local municipalities, Eden functions at a strategic level to align all the Integrated Development Plans (IDP) that include topics such as Social Development and Well-being, Economic Growth, Spatial Development Framework, Infrastructure Services, Environmental Welfare, etc.
The Garden Route Initiative (GRI) is Eden’s steering committee of which Vernon is also Chairman. It is the platform to reach stakeholders and the public alike currently consisting of 300 members that investigate subjects like coastal and estuary environments, climate change, stewardship groups and land ownership, wetlands and rivers, and community awareness, education and training.
The main topic of Vernon’s presentation was the Integrated Coastal Management Plan that is ready to be gazetted. The Estuary management protocol is in place and its official guidelines are legally binding.
In the case of Swartvlei and Knysna Estuaries SANParks have equal responsibility with Knysna Municipality but they both are subject to Eden Disaster Management who will advise when and what procedures are to be followed when conditions indicate a natural disaster like flooding is imminent.
Vernon advised us that there is a conservation plan for every single one of the 20 estuaries in the Eden district, 11 of which include coastal management risk assessments. By their criteria Sedgefield faces a very high risk for a number of reasons. The insidious rising sea-level due to global warming that is ongoing and has already occurred for some time. This combined with storm conditions and heavy rainfall translates into a great deal of water flowing through low-lying areas along the coast and estuary. Plans have to be in place to cope with such a likely eventuality. In future, because of these factors, setback guidelines will be strongly and unequivocally enforced to prevent further developments taking place in high risk areas.
He mentioned that it is intended to develop the GRI to a place where a domain of 615000 hectares of Eden District will be able to be declared the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve (GRBR) by fulfilling conditions laid down by UNESCO through their MAB Program. (This program develops the basis for the rational and sustainable use and conservation of the resources of the biosphere and for the improvement of the overall relationship between people and their environment. It predicts the consequences of today’s actions on tomorrow’s world and thereby increases people’s ability to efficiently manage natural resources for the well-being of both human populations and the environment.)
The SR&VA thank Vernon profusely for taking the time to make this engrossing and informative presentation to them. It was unfortunate that time constraints meant he could not do it justice.
See these websites for further information :
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/man-and-biosphere-programme/about-mab/
http://www.grbr.org.za/assets/content-page.php?id=newsDet&A_ID=55
In conjunction with these local municipalities, Eden functions at a strategic level to align all the Integrated Development Plans (IDP) that include topics such as Social Development and Well-being, Economic Growth, Spatial Development Framework, Infrastructure Services, Environmental Welfare, etc.
The Garden Route Initiative (GRI) is Eden’s steering committee of which Vernon is also Chairman. It is the platform to reach stakeholders and the public alike currently consisting of 300 members that investigate subjects like coastal and estuary environments, climate change, stewardship groups and land ownership, wetlands and rivers, and community awareness, education and training.
The main topic of Vernon’s presentation was the Integrated Coastal Management Plan that is ready to be gazetted. The Estuary management protocol is in place and its official guidelines are legally binding.
In the case of Swartvlei and Knysna Estuaries SANParks have equal responsibility with Knysna Municipality but they both are subject to Eden Disaster Management who will advise when and what procedures are to be followed when conditions indicate a natural disaster like flooding is imminent.
Vernon advised us that there is a conservation plan for every single one of the 20 estuaries in the Eden district, 11 of which include coastal management risk assessments. By their criteria Sedgefield faces a very high risk for a number of reasons. The insidious rising sea-level due to global warming that is ongoing and has already occurred for some time. This combined with storm conditions and heavy rainfall translates into a great deal of water flowing through low-lying areas along the coast and estuary. Plans have to be in place to cope with such a likely eventuality. In future, because of these factors, setback guidelines will be strongly and unequivocally enforced to prevent further developments taking place in high risk areas.
He mentioned that it is intended to develop the GRI to a place where a domain of 615000 hectares of Eden District will be able to be declared the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve (GRBR) by fulfilling conditions laid down by UNESCO through their MAB Program. (This program develops the basis for the rational and sustainable use and conservation of the resources of the biosphere and for the improvement of the overall relationship between people and their environment. It predicts the consequences of today’s actions on tomorrow’s world and thereby increases people’s ability to efficiently manage natural resources for the well-being of both human populations and the environment.)
The SR&VA thank Vernon profusely for taking the time to make this engrossing and informative presentation to them. It was unfortunate that time constraints meant he could not do it justice.
See these websites for further information :
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/man-and-biosphere-programme/about-mab/
http://www.grbr.org.za/assets/content-page.php?id=newsDet&A_ID=55
The Edge Community Newspaper 12 December 2012 Page 22
Meeting with Knynsa Municipal Manager
On Tuesday 5 December, representatives of the Sedgefield Ratepayers & Voters Association (SR&VA), Sedgefield Flood Action Committee and Councillor Louise Hart, met with the Knysna Municipal Manager Ms Lauren Waring and members of the management team.
The purpose of the meeting, requested by the SR&VA, was twofold:
1. To discuss a proposal for the Knysna Municipality to keep the estuary mouth permanently open until such
time as SANParks’ hydrological study has been completed and accepted.
2. To request that one of Sedgefield’s qualified Engineers be a permanent member of the Municipal
Consultation Committee that will be discussing their participation in current breaching protocols with
SANParks.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the following had been agreed:
1. Sedgefield will have an Engineer on the Municipal Consultation Committee.
2. The Municipal Manager will arrange a follow-up meeting early in the New Year to discuss SR&VA’s
mouth management proposal. This meeting will also include Eden Disaster Management, SANParks and
Dept of Water Affairs.
3. Representatives from SR&VA and the Flood Action Committee will arrange a meeting with the head of
Eden Disaster Management as soon as possible, to be updated on ongoing developments.
The purpose of the meeting, requested by the SR&VA, was twofold:
1. To discuss a proposal for the Knysna Municipality to keep the estuary mouth permanently open until such
time as SANParks’ hydrological study has been completed and accepted.
2. To request that one of Sedgefield’s qualified Engineers be a permanent member of the Municipal
Consultation Committee that will be discussing their participation in current breaching protocols with
SANParks.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the following had been agreed:
1. Sedgefield will have an Engineer on the Municipal Consultation Committee.
2. The Municipal Manager will arrange a follow-up meeting early in the New Year to discuss SR&VA’s
mouth management proposal. This meeting will also include Eden Disaster Management, SANParks and
Dept of Water Affairs.
3. Representatives from SR&VA and the Flood Action Committee will arrange a meeting with the head of
Eden Disaster Management as soon as possible, to be updated on ongoing developments.
The Edge Community Newspaper 28 November 2012 Page 6
Feedback from November Meeting & other Related Discussions
New Appointments at the Knysna Muncipality
Several Managerial contracts have expired and new managers are in the process of being appointed. We can only hope that this will mean an improvement in the response to our correspondence with some of the managers up to now. We are also hoping for a depot manager for Sedgefield.
Roads
The condition of our roads is a constant concern but lack of finance is arguably preventing any but emergency repair work from taking place in areas where the most traffic is experienced and where potholes are regularly occurring.
Change at Sedgefield Police Station
The Sedgefield Ratepayers strongly oppose the appointment of Colonel M. Hardy to the post of Station Commander of Knysna SAPS. The reason for this is due to his past history with the community of Sedgefield as well as within the police service. Furthermore we strongly object to the sudden transfer of Warrant Officer John Watson from his position as Assistant Station Commander for Sedgefield SAPS. Coincidence? We think not.
WWF and Perdespruit
As part of WWF’s programme “Adaption to Climate Change” a project was initiated to rehabilitate the Perdespruit so it can assist with the tidal flow of the Swartvlei and keeping the mouth open which has been compromised by the road and railway bridges. Unfortunately the prevailing global economic conditions has meant that a vital German sponsor of the project has withdrawn so those involved are looking at innovative affordable ways to continue with the project and by doing the important work in stages.
REMINDER
The Sedgefield Ratepayers and Voters Association will hold their AGM on Monday 17 December 2012 at the Bowling Club on the Island. The doors will open from 17:30h to allow for the renewals of membership subscriptions and new membership until the meeting starts at 18:00h.
The meeting is being held at this time to allow holidaymakers who own residences in the village to be made aware of what is happening in Sedgefield Please support this function for your own benefit. The committee has tackled many difficult issues this year and is encouraged and empowered by the wide support of the local community as a whole. Ignorance is definitely not bliss if we want to maintain the essential character and charm of Sedgefield and keep it crime-free and it’s environment well cared for.
Remember, you can follow us on our website and email us your concerns at
http://sedgefield-ratepayers.weebly.com/
Several Managerial contracts have expired and new managers are in the process of being appointed. We can only hope that this will mean an improvement in the response to our correspondence with some of the managers up to now. We are also hoping for a depot manager for Sedgefield.
Roads
The condition of our roads is a constant concern but lack of finance is arguably preventing any but emergency repair work from taking place in areas where the most traffic is experienced and where potholes are regularly occurring.
Change at Sedgefield Police Station
The Sedgefield Ratepayers strongly oppose the appointment of Colonel M. Hardy to the post of Station Commander of Knysna SAPS. The reason for this is due to his past history with the community of Sedgefield as well as within the police service. Furthermore we strongly object to the sudden transfer of Warrant Officer John Watson from his position as Assistant Station Commander for Sedgefield SAPS. Coincidence? We think not.
WWF and Perdespruit
As part of WWF’s programme “Adaption to Climate Change” a project was initiated to rehabilitate the Perdespruit so it can assist with the tidal flow of the Swartvlei and keeping the mouth open which has been compromised by the road and railway bridges. Unfortunately the prevailing global economic conditions has meant that a vital German sponsor of the project has withdrawn so those involved are looking at innovative affordable ways to continue with the project and by doing the important work in stages.
REMINDER
The Sedgefield Ratepayers and Voters Association will hold their AGM on Monday 17 December 2012 at the Bowling Club on the Island. The doors will open from 17:30h to allow for the renewals of membership subscriptions and new membership until the meeting starts at 18:00h.
The meeting is being held at this time to allow holidaymakers who own residences in the village to be made aware of what is happening in Sedgefield Please support this function for your own benefit. The committee has tackled many difficult issues this year and is encouraged and empowered by the wide support of the local community as a whole. Ignorance is definitely not bliss if we want to maintain the essential character and charm of Sedgefield and keep it crime-free and it’s environment well cared for.
Remember, you can follow us on our website and email us your concerns at
http://sedgefield-ratepayers.weebly.com/
The Edge Community Newspaper 17 October 2012 Page 17
Feedback from October Ratepayers Committee Meeting
Begonia Street Dune
A study done of Begonia Street Dune indicates that the area is being subjected to progressive erosion leading to serious ecological issues caused by the creation of numerous footpaths and illegal human activities. There are security concerns besides those of the degradation that is being caused by waste dumping and the area being used as a public toilet.
Mitigation measures include the installation of a new boardwalk with balustrades and security lighting, wind-proof waste bins and information boards. It is hoped this will encourage walkers to use it and not the informal paths. Access to other informal paths will then be blocked in order to prevent further erosion and assist rehabilitation.
One possible rehabilitation method is to plant clumps of pioneer dune vegetation to stabilise sands. A fence will be installed around the perimeter to limit access onto damaged areas. This will also curtail further encroachment into a sensitive ecological area.
A Dune Management Committee will be established which includes Smutsville community members, affected parties outside the Smutsville community and authorities.
Meanwhile the Council has employed contract workers to undertake a clean-up campaign in the Smutsville area as well as the dune. According to their schedule the dune clean-up commenced on 10 Oct.
Beach Maintenance
The suction pipes and pumps for the Desalination plant were damaged in August due to high seas and strong winds that resulted in considerable beach erosion. The plant is still out of action. It is hoped that the damage will be repaired by the December holidays so that the plant can work again if needed.
It has been requested that improved access to the beach and the restoration of the Whale Viewing platform be attended to before the arrival of the December holidaymakers. It was also pointed out that the parking area round the borehole near the restaurant has never been repaired.
FNB ATM
Following complaints, a temporary shield has been put in place. This will be replaced by a new generation ATM with automated deposits, known as an ADT (similar to Knysna branch). Some 290 odd devices for the national replacement project are on order (imported), however, these will take some time to arrive and to get to the bank’s software. At present, time frames not available.
Disaster Management Plan
This was presented to the Knysna Mayoral Council at the beginning of October to make them aware of the importance of a viable plan being in place for Sedgefield. A meeting with Lauren Waring is to be scheduled asap.
There are also related concerns about the erosion of the sea wall along Charles te Water. However, funds required to fix it are not currently available from the Municipality.
AGM
The SR&VA’s Annual General Meeting is scheduled to be held at the Bowling Club at 6pm on 17 December. Doors open at 5:30pm for registration and payment of subscriptions. All members will be notified by post. New members are welcome. Sedgefielders please come and support your Ratepayers’ Association. They keep abreast of all the important activities going on in Sedgefield monitoring developments that could impact the village both negatively and positively. At the end of the day they can only be effective if they receive strong support from the community they claim to represent.
A study done of Begonia Street Dune indicates that the area is being subjected to progressive erosion leading to serious ecological issues caused by the creation of numerous footpaths and illegal human activities. There are security concerns besides those of the degradation that is being caused by waste dumping and the area being used as a public toilet.
Mitigation measures include the installation of a new boardwalk with balustrades and security lighting, wind-proof waste bins and information boards. It is hoped this will encourage walkers to use it and not the informal paths. Access to other informal paths will then be blocked in order to prevent further erosion and assist rehabilitation.
One possible rehabilitation method is to plant clumps of pioneer dune vegetation to stabilise sands. A fence will be installed around the perimeter to limit access onto damaged areas. This will also curtail further encroachment into a sensitive ecological area.
A Dune Management Committee will be established which includes Smutsville community members, affected parties outside the Smutsville community and authorities.
Meanwhile the Council has employed contract workers to undertake a clean-up campaign in the Smutsville area as well as the dune. According to their schedule the dune clean-up commenced on 10 Oct.
Beach Maintenance
The suction pipes and pumps for the Desalination plant were damaged in August due to high seas and strong winds that resulted in considerable beach erosion. The plant is still out of action. It is hoped that the damage will be repaired by the December holidays so that the plant can work again if needed.
It has been requested that improved access to the beach and the restoration of the Whale Viewing platform be attended to before the arrival of the December holidaymakers. It was also pointed out that the parking area round the borehole near the restaurant has never been repaired.
FNB ATM
Following complaints, a temporary shield has been put in place. This will be replaced by a new generation ATM with automated deposits, known as an ADT (similar to Knysna branch). Some 290 odd devices for the national replacement project are on order (imported), however, these will take some time to arrive and to get to the bank’s software. At present, time frames not available.
Disaster Management Plan
This was presented to the Knysna Mayoral Council at the beginning of October to make them aware of the importance of a viable plan being in place for Sedgefield. A meeting with Lauren Waring is to be scheduled asap.
There are also related concerns about the erosion of the sea wall along Charles te Water. However, funds required to fix it are not currently available from the Municipality.
AGM
The SR&VA’s Annual General Meeting is scheduled to be held at the Bowling Club at 6pm on 17 December. Doors open at 5:30pm for registration and payment of subscriptions. All members will be notified by post. New members are welcome. Sedgefielders please come and support your Ratepayers’ Association. They keep abreast of all the important activities going on in Sedgefield monitoring developments that could impact the village both negatively and positively. At the end of the day they can only be effective if they receive strong support from the community they claim to represent.
THE EDGE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 3 October 2012 Page 8
FEEDBACK FROM SEPTEMBER 2012 SEDGEFIELD RATEPAYERS' MEETING
Garden Refuse and Building Rubble Site
An area of Boven Lange Valley off the N2 before Kleinkrantz has been identified as a possible Municipal Refuse Site for garden waste and building rubble. So we await feedback on this.
Begonia Street Dune
Knysna Municipality is p r o d u c i n g a d o c u m e n t concerning Begonia Street stairway and a plan is scheduled to be ready by 20th September 2012. Discussion will then take place with the Ratepayers Committee and Wards 1 and 2
representatives to make sure it is acceptable to all affected parties. Just prior to forwarding this report to the Edge we have been informed that the Municipal Report has been completed and we now await our copy.
S h o p r i t e C h e c k e r s Development
After a lengthy discussion about the Checkers' Development at Aviemore, it was decided to draft a letter pointing out that this development would fall outside the CBD. The consensus is that the integrity of the existing shopping area should be
preserved. It was further felt that the project would cause a major problem for traffic and even more importantly, would result in danger to pedestrians. Whilst there was no objection to the development itself, it was suggested that an alternative site should be sought.
Overnighting Trucks
The over-nighting of trucks on Sedgefield's service/main road was raised at a meeting with Richard Meyer, who advised that 2 people were now monitoring the situation during the hours of darkness. It was stated that no evidence had been seen of this and trucks were still parking illegally. A letter has been drafted to Charl Botha at Knysna Municipality and this will be
dispatched. If any member of the public sees a truck parked overnight, an e-mail should be dispatched to either Louise Hart
or Anthony Bans.
Island Concerns
A concern was raised about various items on the Island the first of which relates to ground that has been excavated on ERF
1627 outside Island Village in Wally Van Der Walt Street in what appears to be some kind of drainage system. It resembles a
large swimming pool. A letter of objection has been handed to the G r e e n S c o r p i o n s a n d Environment and Planning
requesting action. This is a danger to both people and animals as it is an open excavation without a cover and the sides are steep consisting of loose sand.
Other issues include questioning the length of time it's taking and what work is being done to a transformer on the Island, speed bumps in Paul Kruger Street that need attention and painting, a speed restriction sign required at Dr Malan Street and that speed bumps also need to be preceded by warning signs.
Illegal Tree Felling
Mike Hofhuis was alerted to illegal tree felling on ERF 1692 at Myoli Beach. The offenders were caught on camera but when the police investigated they were unsure of what charges could be laid against the culprits. We were advised at our monthly
Ratepayers meeting that tree felling required an Oscae permit, although felling of Rooikrans was allowed.
Knysna Municipality has since advised that in the light of the fact that there are witnesses to this incident, the police can open a case in terms of the common law for Theft (of wood) or in the alternative Malicious Injury to Property (of the trees),
irrespective of whether or not the trees are protected under the Forest Act. If the species are protected, then such a charge can be added during the course of the police investigation and a statement from the competent authority (Forestry) sought as evidence in that regard.
The common law offences would require witness statements from eyewitnesses and the property owner. In the case of municipal property statement/s must be sought from the Manager in charge of Municipal Property or Parks.
For future reference of any concerned person, relevant municipal officials are: Mr. Nuns (Manager: Parks) or Mr
Bonthuys (Manager: Contracts & Property).
FNB ATM
A complaint was voiced about the FNB ATM, the screen of which is virtually impossible to read during daylight hours because direct sunlight blocks out readings on the monitor. To place a shield in front of the ATM would need planning permission and Councillor Hart requested an e-mail be sent to her that she could action.
Thanks
O u r t h a n ks to Knysna Municipality for painting the centre line on the road from town to the island.
THE EDGE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 5 September 2012 Page 15
SEDGE RATEPAYERS August 2012 FEEDBACK MEETING
As mentioned in a previous feedback article the due Disaster Management Plan meeting has taken place and a presentation was made to members of the Knysna Mayoral Committee namely Mayoress Wolmarans, Richard Dawson, Speaker of the House, Magda William, Councillor in charge of C o m m u n i t y S e r v i c e s , Sedgefield's local councillors, Louise Hart and Irene Grootboom at a meeting on Monday, 3 September. t was explained precisely why the SANParks plan that looks good on paper is completely unworkable in reality. It was pointed out that Sedgefield town had never been flooded until it fell under the jurisdiction of SANParks (from 2002 onwards)in regard to the opening of the mouth. It was revealed that Sedgefield has a Disaster Management Plan drawn up by local experienced and knowledgeable engineers that was ratified by the Municipality in 2009 that must be distributed to responsible authorities for them to follow the procedures when the need arises. Further discussion will follow with Eden district officials.
The Ratepayers' meeting earlier in the month discussed the Checkers Development at Aviemore. Objections have been lodged but there are also people in favour of it as Checkers have been outperforming Pick 'n Pay when it comes to affordable pricing. The public participation process closes 15 September and once Knysna Municipality has prepared the interim document, it will be made available for further comment.
Erf 4550 - the fencing of the section between the Island residential area and the Farmer's Market right down to the lagoon preventing people from reaching the water is being questioned as right of access should be granted up to the high tide mark. Other laws also govern the rights to access. This will be addressed with the owner (who has now returned to the USA) directly and failing an appropriate response, it will be referred to the Municipality.
It was reported that Rondevlei School hosts approximately 70 children is being closed down as part of the cut back by
P r o v i n c i a l Government. They c a n n o t b e accommodated at Sedgefield School partially because of room and partially because of costs and Hoekwil School is too far for them to travel. This is one of two schools in the area (the other being Redlands Primary S e r v i c i n g B a r r i n g t o n/Karatara) which is s c h e d u l e d f o r closure. These are serious matters for the families and children affected. A public meeting was scheduled with the Education Minister for Sunday 26th
August at 14h00 for Redlands and 18h00 on the 26th for Rondevlei. We have not received feedback from those meetings yet.
In light of this, the plan for a privately run school on Portions 14/15 and 18 of the Farm Ruygte Valley No. 187, George
belonging to Phillip Vermuelen would be a great investment in this area. The scoping report for the proposed school is now
available and the whole project appears to be on track. It was also stated that many residents of Smutsville are exceedingly frustrated about a lack of housing. It also appears that the Municipality does not provide basic services to illegal shacks and thus these people are throwing their waste over the top of the dune adding to its degradation.
In the previous feedback article, a meeting was mentioned with all concerned representatives about the deterioration of and pollution on the Begonia Road sand dune. This meeting has been held and a further well-attended public meeting was conducted in the town hall chaired by Executive Councillor, Louise Hart. This is a contentious issue that needs more focused discussion with the Knysna Municipality with the intention and commitment to its resolution.
At the Monday morning meeting our concerns for all the residents was brought to the attention of the Mayoral party -
the health hazards caused by the lack of services to the legal/illegal shacks on the dune, the danger of many areas
where the dune has been cut into to provide ground to erect dwellings and the movement of the sand that has caused some
RDP houses to move off their foundations. There is also the matter of the inadequate stairway over the dune that is a
danger to all who use it and the ongoing creation of many other pathways that are further damaging a supposedly protected area.
The concerns of people on the north side of the dune include the devaluing of their property, the degradation of a protected
area including the cutting down of the milkwood forest and the criminal element who are quick to take advantage of the current situation.The Council has advised us as to whom to engage with at the Municipality to address our concerns along with assistance from our local Councillors.
In closing we wish to say the cleanup of street curbs on the Island by the Knysna Municipality has been noted and we give them a vote of thanks.
THE EDGE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 8 August 2012 Page 3
URGENT APPEAL TO JOIN FORCES AND SAVE DUNE
Exasperated residents of G r o e n v a l l e i a n d Meedingsride are appealing to residents of all areas to join the Sedgefield Ratepayers Association as part of their efforts to put public pressure on the Knysna Municipality and other roleplayers to save the dune behind their properties.The ever growing informal settlement of Sizamile, which has now extended right onto the crown of the dune, has had i n c r e a s i n g l y s e r i o u s environmental and socioeconomic impact and is becoming progressively more intimidating to those living on its northern side.
Johannes Heinen, a resident living against the dune in Begonia Street has been a p p e a l i n g t o K n y s n a Municipality, as land owners to find a solution to ongoing problems of littering, loitering and blatant disrespect for his property and privacy.
In letters to acting Knysna Municipal Manager Charl Botha, Heinen claims that people, goats and pigs are traipsing up and down the dune, often taking shortcuts through his property. Describing an area where the dune had been flattened to provide a flat space for a new shack, Heinen says the new dwelling has directly affected his privacy since its inhabitants now pull up chairs and sit in the sun, overlooking his sunroof and Jacuzzi, only 50 metres away. “I feel intimidated by their continued presence.”
In reply to his letter Mr Botha insists that the Knysna Municipality is also affected by the informal dwellings because
Sizamile residents were in effect squatters living on council land, and adds that the environmental issues were being addressed. Botha said council has commenced work in association with Cape Nature, SANParks and the national
Department of Forestry to investigate sustainable solutions to safeguard the highly sensitive dune ecosystem and protected forest species. “This process will also necessarily look at how to deal with litter and the movement of people across the dune and denuding the natural resources. We verily believe that preventative measures such as regulations, enforcement and physical barriers in these circumstances will not have the desired effect.
“The Knysna Municipal Council is faced with the dilemma that the persons in question find themselves in crowded and less than ideal conditions in the Sizamile township due to the nationwide challenge of lack of space for alternative housing, and lack of funds for housing, resulting in countless squatting and invasion of state owned land. “Regardless of the aforementioned, we can assure you that the management of the dune is receiving attention,” the letter finished.
In response, Heinen maintains that more should be done than the matter just 'receiving attention' and with much more urgency, not only to save the increasingly deteriorating dune and indigenous vegetation, but also the properties and people below the dune. He says that Botha, as municipal 'land owner', can not claim to be in the same situation as the people living below the dune: “It can not be true that every day more and more people walk across your land, use it as a mountain of rubbish, set up shacks, leave litter all around and do their business in front of the eyes of my wife and the kids while smiling at you. When we are not around they cut our milkwood trees for firewood, while major fines would be imposed on me should I even cut a branch of one of those very same trees how can that be equal rights to everybody?”
Heinen agrees that measures such as barriers and regulations were not the answer, but believed other measures such as environment educational programmes can already go a long way. “If you want the solutions bad enough and look for them, they will come. If not the Municipality, who then will take responsibility?
Another Groenvallei resident, who has asked not to be named, says public pressure may be the only solution to prompt authorities into action. “Instead o f creating another organisation, locals should become members of the longstanding Sedgefield Ratepayers Association, which is already recognised by entities such as the Knysna Municipality and even regional and national government. Joining their forces would give residents a stronger voice to defend their rights and hopefully save the dunes before it is too late.”
CapeNature representative Benjamin Walters could not be reached for comment in time for publication of this issue.
Sedgefielders wanting to join the URGENT APPEAL TO JOIN FORCES AND SAVE DUNE Drop form off at ERA, 30 Main Road, Sedgefield
LET’S STAND UNITED!
• Name .......................................
• Tel no .......................................
• E-mail ......................................
• Address ...................................
JOIN THE RATEPAYERS AND
HELP SAVE OUR DUNES. R30 P.A
GROENVALLEI
NEEDS YOU!
Litter on the dune has become so bad, that the municipal workers who are supposed to clean there, fear for their health
and safety. Residents of Groenvallei and Meedingsride no longer have any privacy as the once pristine dune now houses informal settlements. Ratepayers Association, can fill in the attached cut-out form and
hand in to ERA Real Estate at
30 Main Road.
THE EDGE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 25 JULY 2012 Page 10
RATEPAYERS FEEDBACK FROM THE JULY MEETING
Begonia Street Sand-dune
A meeting is being organised for 27 July at 9h00 at the Sedgefield Municipal Offices with all the affected parties invited, namely, our elected Councillors for Wards 1 & 2, the SR&VA, Groenvallei Homeowners Association, Groenvallei Neighbourhood Watch, Sedgefield Community Police sub Forum, Sedgefield Tree Committee and a Cola Beach Legal Advisor with regard to the protection of the ancient sand dune above Begonia Street. The aim of the meeting is
to compile an agenda for discussion with Knysna Municipality.
Disaster Management
e can report that a meeting relating to the Disaster Management problems in the Sedgefield area took place on Tuesday 17 July and was attended by interested parties comprising SR&VA, Friends of the Swartvlei and Sedgefield Disaster Management committee. An agenda was compiled for future discussion with Knysna Municipality and Eden Disaster Management. The date for this meeting is still to be determined.
Sewerage Leakage
The long outstanding and ongoing problem with spillage in the Crane Walk/Sysie Street area has not been addressed despite numerous letters to Mr Charl Botha.
Taxi Rank Relocation
The proposed relocation of the Sedgefield Taxi Rank highlighted earlier is an important issue for many Sedgefield residents. Letters of objection have been received from property owners in the surrounding area and have been forwarded to Knysna Municipality. We believe that it is of paramount importance that prior to any construction the matter is re-opened to a fresh round of public participation. The reason for this is that the construction appears to have been authorised by the Municipality some years ago. It is felt that in the interim property owners have changed and circumstances have changed e.g. crime has increased considerably in the Sedgefield area.
Consequently, our lawyers have asked us to obtain the following important documentation from the Municipality,
1. The minutes of the meeting which contain the Council's approval of the venture.
2. The names of the newspapers and notice date of documents that were published to obtain public participation.
3. Details of the IDP document in which the Taxi Station was catered for.
4. Details and documentation covering its funding by Province.
5. Details of the tender publication, dates and how it was awarded.
We have forwarded this request to the Knynsa Municipal Manager but to date, this documentation has not been forthcoming.
Permanent Traffic Officer
Councillor Hart advised the Ratepayers' meeting that the number of traffic officers was being increased, but a permanent officer for Sedgefield was still required. She will enquire what is happening about this.
GRC Maintenance Depot
On a positive note, we wish to thank the General Manager of Garden Route Chalets/Villas for the clean up operations currently underway on Sedgefield Island. We have already noticed a considerable improvement. We again request that Mr Charl Botha forward us a copy of the inspection report.
NB. Ratepayers please advise us of any problems that you feel need our attention immediately. Do not wait until our AGM.
Please either write to us - the letter can be delivered to our Secretary Toni Elsby at ERA, or contact us by email through our website at http://sedgefield-ratepayers.weebly.com/contact-us.html We welcome new members at any time. The more representative we are of our Sedgefield community, the more effective we can be!
THE EDGE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 11 JULY 2012 Page 3
RATEPAYERS CHALLENGE TAXI-RANK RELOCATION
Members of the Sedgefield Rate Payers’ Association Executive Committee have initiated direct contact with Knysna
Municipality to question the legality of the proposed location of the new taxi rank, soon to be built behind the Post Office building. It seems that whilst bricks for the project have already been delivered on site, there has been no public participation that the association is aware of. A letter from the association, highlighting their concerns regarding the new location, has been delivered to the municipal offices. Watch this space for further developments in this regard.
FEEDBACK FROM SEPTEMBER 2012 SEDGEFIELD RATEPAYERS' MEETING
Garden Refuse and Building Rubble Site
An area of Boven Lange Valley off the N2 before Kleinkrantz has been identified as a possible Municipal Refuse Site for garden waste and building rubble. So we await feedback on this.
Begonia Street Dune
Knysna Municipality is p r o d u c i n g a d o c u m e n t concerning Begonia Street stairway and a plan is scheduled to be ready by 20th September 2012. Discussion will then take place with the Ratepayers Committee and Wards 1 and 2
representatives to make sure it is acceptable to all affected parties. Just prior to forwarding this report to the Edge we have been informed that the Municipal Report has been completed and we now await our copy.
S h o p r i t e C h e c k e r s Development
After a lengthy discussion about the Checkers' Development at Aviemore, it was decided to draft a letter pointing out that this development would fall outside the CBD. The consensus is that the integrity of the existing shopping area should be
preserved. It was further felt that the project would cause a major problem for traffic and even more importantly, would result in danger to pedestrians. Whilst there was no objection to the development itself, it was suggested that an alternative site should be sought.
Overnighting Trucks
The over-nighting of trucks on Sedgefield's service/main road was raised at a meeting with Richard Meyer, who advised that 2 people were now monitoring the situation during the hours of darkness. It was stated that no evidence had been seen of this and trucks were still parking illegally. A letter has been drafted to Charl Botha at Knysna Municipality and this will be
dispatched. If any member of the public sees a truck parked overnight, an e-mail should be dispatched to either Louise Hart
or Anthony Bans.
Island Concerns
A concern was raised about various items on the Island the first of which relates to ground that has been excavated on ERF
1627 outside Island Village in Wally Van Der Walt Street in what appears to be some kind of drainage system. It resembles a
large swimming pool. A letter of objection has been handed to the G r e e n S c o r p i o n s a n d Environment and Planning
requesting action. This is a danger to both people and animals as it is an open excavation without a cover and the sides are steep consisting of loose sand.
Other issues include questioning the length of time it's taking and what work is being done to a transformer on the Island, speed bumps in Paul Kruger Street that need attention and painting, a speed restriction sign required at Dr Malan Street and that speed bumps also need to be preceded by warning signs.
Illegal Tree Felling
Mike Hofhuis was alerted to illegal tree felling on ERF 1692 at Myoli Beach. The offenders were caught on camera but when the police investigated they were unsure of what charges could be laid against the culprits. We were advised at our monthly
Ratepayers meeting that tree felling required an Oscae permit, although felling of Rooikrans was allowed.
Knysna Municipality has since advised that in the light of the fact that there are witnesses to this incident, the police can open a case in terms of the common law for Theft (of wood) or in the alternative Malicious Injury to Property (of the trees),
irrespective of whether or not the trees are protected under the Forest Act. If the species are protected, then such a charge can be added during the course of the police investigation and a statement from the competent authority (Forestry) sought as evidence in that regard.
The common law offences would require witness statements from eyewitnesses and the property owner. In the case of municipal property statement/s must be sought from the Manager in charge of Municipal Property or Parks.
For future reference of any concerned person, relevant municipal officials are: Mr. Nuns (Manager: Parks) or Mr
Bonthuys (Manager: Contracts & Property).
FNB ATM
A complaint was voiced about the FNB ATM, the screen of which is virtually impossible to read during daylight hours because direct sunlight blocks out readings on the monitor. To place a shield in front of the ATM would need planning permission and Councillor Hart requested an e-mail be sent to her that she could action.
Thanks
O u r t h a n ks to Knysna Municipality for painting the centre line on the road from town to the island.
THE EDGE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 5 September 2012 Page 15
SEDGE RATEPAYERS August 2012 FEEDBACK MEETING
As mentioned in a previous feedback article the due Disaster Management Plan meeting has taken place and a presentation was made to members of the Knysna Mayoral Committee namely Mayoress Wolmarans, Richard Dawson, Speaker of the House, Magda William, Councillor in charge of C o m m u n i t y S e r v i c e s , Sedgefield's local councillors, Louise Hart and Irene Grootboom at a meeting on Monday, 3 September. t was explained precisely why the SANParks plan that looks good on paper is completely unworkable in reality. It was pointed out that Sedgefield town had never been flooded until it fell under the jurisdiction of SANParks (from 2002 onwards)in regard to the opening of the mouth. It was revealed that Sedgefield has a Disaster Management Plan drawn up by local experienced and knowledgeable engineers that was ratified by the Municipality in 2009 that must be distributed to responsible authorities for them to follow the procedures when the need arises. Further discussion will follow with Eden district officials.
The Ratepayers' meeting earlier in the month discussed the Checkers Development at Aviemore. Objections have been lodged but there are also people in favour of it as Checkers have been outperforming Pick 'n Pay when it comes to affordable pricing. The public participation process closes 15 September and once Knysna Municipality has prepared the interim document, it will be made available for further comment.
Erf 4550 - the fencing of the section between the Island residential area and the Farmer's Market right down to the lagoon preventing people from reaching the water is being questioned as right of access should be granted up to the high tide mark. Other laws also govern the rights to access. This will be addressed with the owner (who has now returned to the USA) directly and failing an appropriate response, it will be referred to the Municipality.
It was reported that Rondevlei School hosts approximately 70 children is being closed down as part of the cut back by
P r o v i n c i a l Government. They c a n n o t b e accommodated at Sedgefield School partially because of room and partially because of costs and Hoekwil School is too far for them to travel. This is one of two schools in the area (the other being Redlands Primary S e r v i c i n g B a r r i n g t o n/Karatara) which is s c h e d u l e d f o r closure. These are serious matters for the families and children affected. A public meeting was scheduled with the Education Minister for Sunday 26th
August at 14h00 for Redlands and 18h00 on the 26th for Rondevlei. We have not received feedback from those meetings yet.
In light of this, the plan for a privately run school on Portions 14/15 and 18 of the Farm Ruygte Valley No. 187, George
belonging to Phillip Vermuelen would be a great investment in this area. The scoping report for the proposed school is now
available and the whole project appears to be on track. It was also stated that many residents of Smutsville are exceedingly frustrated about a lack of housing. It also appears that the Municipality does not provide basic services to illegal shacks and thus these people are throwing their waste over the top of the dune adding to its degradation.
In the previous feedback article, a meeting was mentioned with all concerned representatives about the deterioration of and pollution on the Begonia Road sand dune. This meeting has been held and a further well-attended public meeting was conducted in the town hall chaired by Executive Councillor, Louise Hart. This is a contentious issue that needs more focused discussion with the Knysna Municipality with the intention and commitment to its resolution.
At the Monday morning meeting our concerns for all the residents was brought to the attention of the Mayoral party -
the health hazards caused by the lack of services to the legal/illegal shacks on the dune, the danger of many areas
where the dune has been cut into to provide ground to erect dwellings and the movement of the sand that has caused some
RDP houses to move off their foundations. There is also the matter of the inadequate stairway over the dune that is a
danger to all who use it and the ongoing creation of many other pathways that are further damaging a supposedly protected area.
The concerns of people on the north side of the dune include the devaluing of their property, the degradation of a protected
area including the cutting down of the milkwood forest and the criminal element who are quick to take advantage of the current situation.The Council has advised us as to whom to engage with at the Municipality to address our concerns along with assistance from our local Councillors.
In closing we wish to say the cleanup of street curbs on the Island by the Knysna Municipality has been noted and we give them a vote of thanks.
THE EDGE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 8 August 2012 Page 3
URGENT APPEAL TO JOIN FORCES AND SAVE DUNE
Exasperated residents of G r o e n v a l l e i a n d Meedingsride are appealing to residents of all areas to join the Sedgefield Ratepayers Association as part of their efforts to put public pressure on the Knysna Municipality and other roleplayers to save the dune behind their properties.The ever growing informal settlement of Sizamile, which has now extended right onto the crown of the dune, has had i n c r e a s i n g l y s e r i o u s environmental and socioeconomic impact and is becoming progressively more intimidating to those living on its northern side.
Johannes Heinen, a resident living against the dune in Begonia Street has been a p p e a l i n g t o K n y s n a Municipality, as land owners to find a solution to ongoing problems of littering, loitering and blatant disrespect for his property and privacy.
In letters to acting Knysna Municipal Manager Charl Botha, Heinen claims that people, goats and pigs are traipsing up and down the dune, often taking shortcuts through his property. Describing an area where the dune had been flattened to provide a flat space for a new shack, Heinen says the new dwelling has directly affected his privacy since its inhabitants now pull up chairs and sit in the sun, overlooking his sunroof and Jacuzzi, only 50 metres away. “I feel intimidated by their continued presence.”
In reply to his letter Mr Botha insists that the Knysna Municipality is also affected by the informal dwellings because
Sizamile residents were in effect squatters living on council land, and adds that the environmental issues were being addressed. Botha said council has commenced work in association with Cape Nature, SANParks and the national
Department of Forestry to investigate sustainable solutions to safeguard the highly sensitive dune ecosystem and protected forest species. “This process will also necessarily look at how to deal with litter and the movement of people across the dune and denuding the natural resources. We verily believe that preventative measures such as regulations, enforcement and physical barriers in these circumstances will not have the desired effect.
“The Knysna Municipal Council is faced with the dilemma that the persons in question find themselves in crowded and less than ideal conditions in the Sizamile township due to the nationwide challenge of lack of space for alternative housing, and lack of funds for housing, resulting in countless squatting and invasion of state owned land. “Regardless of the aforementioned, we can assure you that the management of the dune is receiving attention,” the letter finished.
In response, Heinen maintains that more should be done than the matter just 'receiving attention' and with much more urgency, not only to save the increasingly deteriorating dune and indigenous vegetation, but also the properties and people below the dune. He says that Botha, as municipal 'land owner', can not claim to be in the same situation as the people living below the dune: “It can not be true that every day more and more people walk across your land, use it as a mountain of rubbish, set up shacks, leave litter all around and do their business in front of the eyes of my wife and the kids while smiling at you. When we are not around they cut our milkwood trees for firewood, while major fines would be imposed on me should I even cut a branch of one of those very same trees how can that be equal rights to everybody?”
Heinen agrees that measures such as barriers and regulations were not the answer, but believed other measures such as environment educational programmes can already go a long way. “If you want the solutions bad enough and look for them, they will come. If not the Municipality, who then will take responsibility?
Another Groenvallei resident, who has asked not to be named, says public pressure may be the only solution to prompt authorities into action. “Instead o f creating another organisation, locals should become members of the longstanding Sedgefield Ratepayers Association, which is already recognised by entities such as the Knysna Municipality and even regional and national government. Joining their forces would give residents a stronger voice to defend their rights and hopefully save the dunes before it is too late.”
CapeNature representative Benjamin Walters could not be reached for comment in time for publication of this issue.
Sedgefielders wanting to join the URGENT APPEAL TO JOIN FORCES AND SAVE DUNE Drop form off at ERA, 30 Main Road, Sedgefield
LET’S STAND UNITED!
• Name .......................................
• Tel no .......................................
• E-mail ......................................
• Address ...................................
JOIN THE RATEPAYERS AND
HELP SAVE OUR DUNES. R30 P.A
GROENVALLEI
NEEDS YOU!
Litter on the dune has become so bad, that the municipal workers who are supposed to clean there, fear for their health
and safety. Residents of Groenvallei and Meedingsride no longer have any privacy as the once pristine dune now houses informal settlements. Ratepayers Association, can fill in the attached cut-out form and
hand in to ERA Real Estate at
30 Main Road.
THE EDGE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 25 JULY 2012 Page 10
RATEPAYERS FEEDBACK FROM THE JULY MEETING
Begonia Street Sand-dune
A meeting is being organised for 27 July at 9h00 at the Sedgefield Municipal Offices with all the affected parties invited, namely, our elected Councillors for Wards 1 & 2, the SR&VA, Groenvallei Homeowners Association, Groenvallei Neighbourhood Watch, Sedgefield Community Police sub Forum, Sedgefield Tree Committee and a Cola Beach Legal Advisor with regard to the protection of the ancient sand dune above Begonia Street. The aim of the meeting is
to compile an agenda for discussion with Knysna Municipality.
Disaster Management
e can report that a meeting relating to the Disaster Management problems in the Sedgefield area took place on Tuesday 17 July and was attended by interested parties comprising SR&VA, Friends of the Swartvlei and Sedgefield Disaster Management committee. An agenda was compiled for future discussion with Knysna Municipality and Eden Disaster Management. The date for this meeting is still to be determined.
Sewerage Leakage
The long outstanding and ongoing problem with spillage in the Crane Walk/Sysie Street area has not been addressed despite numerous letters to Mr Charl Botha.
Taxi Rank Relocation
The proposed relocation of the Sedgefield Taxi Rank highlighted earlier is an important issue for many Sedgefield residents. Letters of objection have been received from property owners in the surrounding area and have been forwarded to Knysna Municipality. We believe that it is of paramount importance that prior to any construction the matter is re-opened to a fresh round of public participation. The reason for this is that the construction appears to have been authorised by the Municipality some years ago. It is felt that in the interim property owners have changed and circumstances have changed e.g. crime has increased considerably in the Sedgefield area.
Consequently, our lawyers have asked us to obtain the following important documentation from the Municipality,
1. The minutes of the meeting which contain the Council's approval of the venture.
2. The names of the newspapers and notice date of documents that were published to obtain public participation.
3. Details of the IDP document in which the Taxi Station was catered for.
4. Details and documentation covering its funding by Province.
5. Details of the tender publication, dates and how it was awarded.
We have forwarded this request to the Knynsa Municipal Manager but to date, this documentation has not been forthcoming.
Permanent Traffic Officer
Councillor Hart advised the Ratepayers' meeting that the number of traffic officers was being increased, but a permanent officer for Sedgefield was still required. She will enquire what is happening about this.
GRC Maintenance Depot
On a positive note, we wish to thank the General Manager of Garden Route Chalets/Villas for the clean up operations currently underway on Sedgefield Island. We have already noticed a considerable improvement. We again request that Mr Charl Botha forward us a copy of the inspection report.
NB. Ratepayers please advise us of any problems that you feel need our attention immediately. Do not wait until our AGM.
Please either write to us - the letter can be delivered to our Secretary Toni Elsby at ERA, or contact us by email through our website at http://sedgefield-ratepayers.weebly.com/contact-us.html We welcome new members at any time. The more representative we are of our Sedgefield community, the more effective we can be!
THE EDGE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 11 JULY 2012 Page 3
RATEPAYERS CHALLENGE TAXI-RANK RELOCATION
Members of the Sedgefield Rate Payers’ Association Executive Committee have initiated direct contact with Knysna
Municipality to question the legality of the proposed location of the new taxi rank, soon to be built behind the Post Office building. It seems that whilst bricks for the project have already been delivered on site, there has been no public participation that the association is aware of. A letter from the association, highlighting their concerns regarding the new location, has been delivered to the municipal offices. Watch this space for further developments in this regard.