Unauthorised Liesbeeck earthmoving

Statement by Councillor Brett Herron, Ward Councillor for Ward 57 (Devils Peak, Gardens, Woodstock, Observatory, Mowbray) Cape Town and Mayco Member: Transport

Late afternoon on Friday 6 September 2013 I was alerted by some Observatory residents to earthmoving activities being conducted by a bulldozer on the banks of the Liesbeeck River near the River Club, Observatory.

Residents were concerned that the earthmoving works were unauthorised and would cause environmental damage.

I immediately reported this to the City’s Environmental Resource Management department.

The Environmental Resource officers have issued a notice to issue a directive in terms of section 31A of the Environmental Conservation Act (73 of 1989). This notice provides the respondent with an opportunity to make representations and to provide evidence of authorisations for the work being done, failing which a cease works instruction is issued.

The respondent failed to provide the authorisations and a cease works notice will now be served.

Officials from various City departments are investigating whether there has been a contravention of the following legislation:

a) NEMA (Act 107/1998 Reg 544 Section 11)
b) The Storm Water Management Bylaw 31420 of 2005, Sections 4(d) and (g), as well as Section 5 and 8(1)
c) Water Act 36 of 1998 and its Regulations

The cease works order will require the respondent to cease all work and apply for the necessary approvals before remedial measures can be taken.

The work must be authorised and done properly as evaluated by qualified scientists or reversed with a method statement of how to do it without causing further harm. No further work or remediation can take place without an environmental impact assessment.

The respondents must thus apply to DEADP, Water Affairs for an EIA and method to stabilise the banks of the river against flooding. The subsequent work will require approval in terms of the City’s Storm Water Management Bylaw as well.

The City’s action in terms of the Section 31A (ECA73/1989) Directive is to prevent damage to the environment by stopping all work on site.

The City and numerous volunteers and interest groups, including Friends of the Liesbeeck and the Two Rivers Urban Park Committee, have invested significant human and financial resources in the environmental protection and care of the Liesbeeck, its banks and the wetlands.

It would be deeply disappointing, and a major setback for the progress already achieved, if this earthmoving work has been done illegally and has caused damage.

This matter must be dealt with in terms of the appropriate legislation and I will continue to monitor the work and efforts of the City’s various professionals as they deal with it.

Paddy preserves pear tree

Saffron Pear Tree in the Gardens

The City awaits new shoots of South Africa’s oldest tree from cuttings which were taken from an historic Saffron Pear tree (Pyrus communis) in the Company’s Garden. Newlands Nursery staff now eagerly await the opening of the first shoots from the cuttings of this 300 year-old tree.

The cuttings were taken in August 2013 in order to preserve this domestic pear tree’s genetic material. Tiny shoots have started to sprout and City Parks officials believe they could start opening soon.

A motion to preserve the tree was put forth to the Community Services Portfolio Committee by Councillor Paddy Chapple last month. The Saffron Pear tree, still drawing in sweet mountain water, was planted during the initial Dutch occupation of the Cape and is believed to be the oldest cultivated tree in South Africa. It is estimated to be over 300 years old. Should the original tree die, its clone could be planted.

City Parks has built a protective structure around the original tree in an attempt to keep it viable. It was, however, decided to make the cuttings and propagate it at the City’s Newlands Nursery as a preservation measure.

The Company’s Garden in Cape Town is home to many historical trees and this initiative could be the first of many.

“This is a great way for the City to celebrate Heritage Month. The Saffron Pear Tree is one of the country’s Champion Trees, receiving protection from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Cape Town boasts an array of these trees,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Special Projects, Alderman Belinda Walker.

Know your DA – 2

The truth about the DA
The DA fought against apartheid and now the DA is working to fix the wrongs of apartheid. Some people don’t want you to know this. You deserve to know the truth.

The DA supports BEE
Everybody who suffered under apartheid must benefit from BEE, not just the friends and family of politicians. The DA’s BEE will create jobs, not billionaires.

The DA supports Social Grants
We will never take away your social grant. The DA’s social grants will lift people out of poverty and into jobs.

The DA supports Land Reform
It is wrong that black people were denied access to land under apartheid. The DA will speed up land reform and give emergent farmers the support they need to be successful.

Read more about Know Your DA Phase 2