Minister pulls plug on Bainskloof project
2005-05-26
THE bulldozers have fallen silent on the mountain slopes, while the developers of Bainskloof Estate scurry to meet a deadline set by the Western Cape minister of environmental affairs and development.
Tasneem Essop visited the site - where the developers claim they have already spent millions of rands - last week after questions arose regarding alleged infringement of environmental and sewerage regulations.
In a letter to Bakkies Smit last week, the developer was informed that Essop’s department had concluded that “the duty of care had been breached” in terms of the National Environmental Act and that they “had failed to take reasonable measures to minimise
environmental degradation.”
On Thursday last week notice was given to cease all construction and earthmoving on the R80 million development of 19 houses, 28 living units and a conference centre.
Instruction was given that an independent environmental consultant be appointed by 3 June, with feedback to Essop 30 days later.
The department has requested a complete report on activities since the rezoning of the land a decade ago.
The remedial actions and rehabilitation measures need to be explained to Province, with reasons why the construction, erection of a resort and sewerage plans should not be found to be undertaken “illegally”.
The developer was then informed on Monday: “You have failed to comply. Cease all construction and land clearing with immediate effect.”
Instructions have been issued for an environmental study, the appointment of a botanist, and an immediate rescue operation with the stabilising of the topsoil.
“Failure to comply by 12:00 Monday will result in an interdict and cost,” according to the communication.
Contravention of the Environmental Act can result in ten years’ imprisonment.
While neighbours have objected to the developers' constructing sewage works on the site, mayor Herman Bailey said last year that the Wellington sewage works needed upgrading before further property developments could be allowed in the town.
More
News
|
