I DO believe our Mayor owes us an explanation if not an apology.
During 2008, in a monthly newsletter, she promised a waterfront development alongside the Berg River.
Amongst other things she said an international hotel and various shopping and entertainment venues would be erected. All this to be completed in time for the soccer World Cup.
I assume the above was not simply a spur of the moment politically motivated statement. The mayor’s comment would be appreciated.
Paarl is in a unique situation as being the only country town in South Africa blessed with a permanently flowing river.
After many years and many proposals regarding a development on the riverfront, I believe the procrastination of the councillors should come to an end.
Hundreds of millions of rands are available to invest in a world class development on the riverfront, thus catapulting Paarl into one of the top tourist destinations in South Africa.
Imagine what such a development would do for the economy of our town!
JF Phillips
The mayor of Drakenstein, Charmaine Manuel, responds: Environmental authorisation from the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning for the proposed development is currently outstanding and it is expected to be issued within the next few months. Heritage authorisation first has to be obtained before the environmental authorisation can be issued. Thereafter the land use planning application can further be processed for final approval. Negotiations regarding the relocation of the sports codes currently on the site are in process.
