Drakenstein in dire straits – report
2005-06-15
David Joshua
AT a recent Open Day and poster exhibition in the Paarl town hall, the key findings of the first State of the Environment Report (SOE) for the Drakenstein Municipal Area were highlighted.
The report was compiled by the UCT Environmental Evaluation Unit and provides an overview of the current state of the environment, trends in the environment and the impacts associated with these changes.
It thus alerts decision makers and authorities to changes taking place which need specific responses. Research included the main areas of the Municipality (Paarl, Wellington, Ronwe, Saron and Gouda).
The report covers environmental issues like the deterioration of water resources and rivers which are negatively affected by urbanisation and are becoming a threat to health, agriculture, economy and tourism.
The response would be to upgrade wastewater treatment plants, divert stormwater from informal settlements into the sewage system, and to investigate the impact of industry and agriculture on river water quality.
There is a high level of urbanisation with a housing waiting list of 21 500 families and a need for urban renewal. Responses to this problem include a land audit, a plan for emergency housing and an urban edge study.
As far as health is concerned, there is a shortage of staff and medication at some clinics, a high incidence of teenage births and sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse and domestic violence.
Water sewage capacity and sanitation are problematic while the economy is deteriorating, with an unemployment increase of 7% from 1996.
Also highlighted is the loss of biodiversity through inappropriate land use and the spread of alien plants. The report shows a need for a co-ordinated alien eradication plan.
The draft report can be viewed at local libraries and municipal offices until 31 June.
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