Question NW3465 to the Minister of Environmental Affairs
06 October 2015 - NW3465
Hadebe, Mr TZ to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
Is her Department aware of the problems faced by the Oyster Bay community in the Eastern Cape as a result of sand dune encroachment on streets, public spaces and residential homes; if so, (a) what has her Department done thus far to assist the specified community, (b) what plan does her Department have going forward and (c) what is the timeline for all such assistance?
Reply:
THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:
The Department of Environmental Affairs is aware of the problems faced by the Oyster Bay Community regarding dune encroachment onto properties and infrastructure.
a) An application for an environmental authorisation for the proposed Slang River bank erosion stabilisation revetment, as well as management of dune sand encroachment on various ervens, including Brander Street in Oyster, Eastern Cape was submitted by Kouga Local Municipality and approved on 9 May 2015 by the competent authority being the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism.
b) The Department of Environmental Affairs is in the process of undertaking a situational analysis report which will provide guidance on the best rehabilitation mechanism or practices.
c) The Department has scheduled a stakeholder’s consultation meeting with all interested and affected parties during the month of October and November 2015 in order to seek short- and long-term solutions.
END