News
from the Residents’ Association of Hout Bay
PO
Box 27031, Hout Bay, 7872
rahb@houtbay.org.za
Jan 05
With 2005 already upon us, the Residents’ Association would like to wish the community best wishes for the coming year. There are many issues that need to be dealt with and we hope that residents will continue to help and support our committee in its endeavours to promote the sustainable interests of the community and the environment.
It is not too alarmist to say that Cape Town’s water shortage is not only here to stay but is likely to get steadily worse. We seem to be getting endless approvals of densification and developments from the municipal authorities without the proper assessment of the long-term consequences for our precious water supplies. We would like to encourage the municipality to insist on water-saving devices in all developments from now on, including fitments in the houses themselves (double-flush toilets, shower-heads, etc.). Obviously indigenous vegetation suitable to the area should be strongly supported and this includes lawns. Too often our mountain areas are being invaded by Kikuyu spreading from people’s gardens. We would also like to mention here that it has recently come to our attention that the National Parks are starting to experience problems with Buffalo turf grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum), a grass which everyone thinks is indigenous but which actually originates from North America, the West Indies and Australia (see Guide to Grasses of Southern Africa by Fritz Van Oudtshoorn, published by Briza, 1999, pg. 68). The indigenous Couch grass (Cynodon dactylon) is probably the best grass to recommend for gardens and public spaces.
We have recently received notice of the Record of Decision (issued 10 January 2005) by the provincial Dept of Environment Affairs and Development Planning (DEADP) to approve the proposed construction of a “High Level Road” and upgrading of Lower Main Road. We welcome this decision. Although there was, and is, opposition from some residents (especially some of those near the road reserve that has long since been planned for the proposed new road), we believe that the interests of the broader public are better served by supporting the proposal. It is noteworthy that by the end of the extensive Environmental Scooping exercise during 2000/2001, there was unanimous support from the local civic associations on the Ward Committee. Moreover, the intent to build the road has been public knowledge for many years. We believe that the public should be involved further so as to make sure that the Environmental Management Plan is appropriate and properly implemented. Opportunity exists for appeal against the RoD by the 9 February 2005 deadline.
Please note that objections to LUPO applications must be posted or faxed to the SPA and received by them before the deadline as directed in each application. It has been pointed out by Mr Richard Walton that Email is not an official route of submission.
Erf 8344, Moddergat, Main Road: LUPO application for rezoning and subdivision to allow the development of 17 residential erven in addition to the redevelopment of the manor house guest lodge. Deadline for comment is 22 February 05.
Erven 1592 & 1630, Linden Farm, Main Road: application for rezoning, subdivision and departure. We are very concerned about the spate of development applications along upper Main Road and the Urban Edge (including this application) with the resultant negative effects. Significant cumulative effects are not sustainable and are being ignored. Main Road is already over-burdened with traffic and it is hazardous, many lives having been lost over the last few years. The current application to develop 40 new single residential erven is highly likely to have a significant negative effect on the safety (as well as traffic congestion, sense of place, etc.) along Main Road particularly as there is not an acceptable access/egress point along this stretch of road. Any comments or objections to this LUPO application should be submitted to reach the SPA (City Manager, Private Bay X5, Plumstead 7801, or fax to 021 710-8283) by 5 February 2005. (The advertised deadline for comment was 20 January 2005 but this fell too soon after the end of the school holidays so we requested an extension which the applicant agreed to and informed the SPA of the fact).
The Second Draft Environmental Assessment Report for Linden Farm is available for inspection at the Hout Bay Library. Written comments or queries should be send to Andre van der Spuy at 15 Logies Bay, Llandudno 7806, tel/fax 021-790-2918, email avdspuy@iafrica.com. The closing date for comment on this document is Wednesday 9 February 2005 at 5 p.m.
Erven 1126-8, Beach Road: EIA for proposed rezoning and development – the DRAFT SCOPING REPORT is available in the Library for comment to be submitted by Friday 4 February 2005 to CCA Environmental Pty Ltd (attention Jeremy Blood), Unit 35, Roeland Square, 30 Drury Lane, Cape Town, 8000 or PO Box 10145, Caledon Square 7905; tel (021) 461-1118/9 fax. (021) 461-1120, email jeremy@ccaenvironmental.co.za.
Fire & other emergencies – 107
Water Hotline – 086-010-3054
(for reporting burst pipes, blocked sewers, watering offenders, etc.)
Police – 10111
Hout Bay police station – 790-2510
Ambulance – 10177
Poison Info Centre (Tygerberg) – 931-6129
Mountain Rescue – 948-9900
Sea Rescue – 449-3500
Chairperson, Residents’ Assoc of Hout Bay
Tel 790-0268 lens@telkomsa.net
MEMBERSHIP:
(R50
per couple, R30 per individual)
Forms from Chairperson or Library or
rahb@houtbay.org.za
[Jan 2005]