AAS resident of Paarl who is interested in the economic development and growth of our town, I read with extreme concern the letter written by Cathy Raymond on behalf of the Drakenstein Heritage Foundation published in the Paarl Post of 22 January.
All the issues about the proposed Paarl Waterfront raised by her were addressed at various public meetings and the specialist reports and studies done were available for public viewing at the libraries on various occasions.
The project was also advertised by the Drakenstein Municipality as part of the subdivision and rezoning process.
Well done to all the hard working people in the Municipality - you truly live up to the vision of “creating a place of opportunity” with this project.
I did some research to establish who the Drakenstein Heritage Foundation is. I am concerned that a small group of about 30 individuals have appointed themselves as custodians of our heritage without consulting the other 200 000 residents of Drakenstein.
Yes, our heritage needs to be protected and maintained as so much has already been lost, but we need to create a balance between a few invasive alien trees on the site and the massive socio-economic impact the Paarl Waterfront Development will have on the lives of ordinary people in Paarl.
Griffon Pheiffer
Len Raymond of Drakenstein Heritage Foundation, replies: I do sit on Heritage Western Cape committees and did in fact sign the attendance register in that capacity and as representative of the DHF.
I have also received threatening letters in an attempt to “shut me up”.
I personally believe that correctly planned and designed, the World Cup presented Paarl with an opportunity to expand the attractions of this most special town.
I am however not convinced that the current proposal holds any benefits for the long-term enrichment of the town.
By enrichment I mean the economic advantages balanced against the long-term social and heritage values that will need to be clarified.
This will result in a drastic alteration to the sense of place that makes Paarl so special.
What is very disappointing is that the proposal has not been thought through. The studies presented for consideration to the provincial authorities were so poor and incomplete that they could not be considered.
This was the view of three independent professionals who reported upon the matter to the Built Environment and Landscape Committee of the provincial heritage authority.
It is now February and the revised studies that were promised for the middle of January are not yet to hand.
How do the developers see the way forward?
Do they blame legitimate organisations and structures set up to ensure that all aspects of developments are considered, as is required by the relevant legislation, for their failure to fulfil the requirements?
What will happen to the site if the World Cup Development does not come off? Will we have sacrificed a key area of Paarl for high rise offices and flats without any benefit to the residents?
