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Controversial decision to develop Vetch’s Beach gets the go-ahead

18/01/10 - 09:02:54AM ~ By Admin ~

An artist impression of what Vetch's Beach will look like once development is complete. Note the breakwater on the inside of Vetch's Reef. / Image: www.durbanpoint.co.za

After six years of civil resistance, the Durban Point Development Company (DPDC) has been given the decision to go ahead and construct a restricted area (which includes a controversial small craft harbour) at Vetch’s Beach. An opposing public interest group, the Save Vetch’s  Association (SVA), believes that this is a case of short term financial gain for investors over the long term social benefit of the public.

The Ethekweni Municipality makes no bones about the Point becoming an  exclusive residential area by stating that the area will be "a sought  after place in the city to live, work and play" - Click here.

The municipality holds a substantial share in the project, with shareholders in the DPDC who include Durban mayor, Obed Mlaba, and  Deputy Mayor, Logie Naidoo. Development in the area is partly paid for by the rate-paying public (through a municipal loan). SVA argue that this same public will lose out after the beaches are lost and access  to the area is restricted. "It basically means that not only do we  lose our beach, but pay to lose it too!" Click here for DPDC funding answer and FAQ’s about the project.

Since the go-ahead to develop Vetch’s, 14 appeals were lodged. The  appeals were all subsequently sacked. The reason why the appeals were dismissed was not publicly accessible at the time of this report  (Pravin Amar is used by the Ethekweni municipality for investigating the Environmental impact of the Point development).

Meanwhile, the SVA intend taking their appeal all the way to the High  Court if necessary. They are asking for public support of the cause  through financial donation in order to cover the considerable legal fees needed to challenge the decision.

From a surfers point of view the sheltered Vetch’s Beach is a rare  treasure along the KZN coastline. It lies in the shadow of the Durban  Harbour and is protected from the predominant frontal storm surf that  moves up the KZN coastline. The gentle waves it provides are perfect  for beginners to learn on. It is the safest surfing beach in KZN, and  holds claim to being the cradle of SA surfing and thus an important SA
surfing heritage site.

Vetch’s also has a world class reef break that can offer perfect  tubing rides up to 500 metres plus, when conditions are right. The  current proposal will not cement up the reef, as originally planned,  but prominent KZN surfers feel that backwash from the harbour wall will degrade conditions so severely that the Reef will no longer be of any quality. Diving and other watersports will also be affected.

More information and updates are available on the SVA’s website - Click Here. Info about the Durban Point Development and the Ethekweni’s stance on the matter - Click Here

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Nickname:
It saddens me to note that the Durban Paddle Ski Club is the only boating club along the durban beach that has bravely and with much concern not only for its members but for the citizens of South Africa stood up to the Durban Point Development Company and the City Manager. I just wonder if there is any gain for the silent partners. I have full confidence that the court case to be held in December will favour the Durban Paddle Ski Club. All will be revealed.

Thank you for your concern and I urge all to get actively involved.

Kind Regards
Mario
2010-10-27 21:38:28

Jon:
Just another case of the hated mike sutcliffe and his buddies lining their pockets at the expense of the rate payers
2010-02-15 10:12:30

spanner:
I hear you driftwood. It smacks of controversy and greed. Whats new? Upside is that we might gets a new wedge off the new harbor wall. Also heard that the city is looking into an artificial reef. Might be privately subsidized by Suncoast Casino? Just a rumor though...
2010-01-19 20:19:46

driftwood:
Whats going on here?
What are we going to do about this Vetchies thing?
In my view the whole Point development is failing. How many luxury apartments are standing empty and/or unsold. I believe that the decision makers are jumping the gun -the access to the point is still dodgy. Maybe that should be dealt with first.
Who are all these people that are going to buy these apartments and berth their boats at this new small craft harbour? Are they locals? I think not!
SO THESE FACILITIES ARE BEING CREATED FOR A MARKET THAT HARDLY EXIST OR AT BEST WILL TAKE DECADES TO DEVELOP.
In the meantime, the true locals - boaters, fishermen, sailors and surfers - (the ones that will foot the bill for this madness) - will have to move. But to where and at what cost?
All the traditional users of the Vetchies area need to muster right away and bring legal action and as much main stream media exposure to this as is needed.
The South Beach, Addington Beach is the real problem. It has become a featureless neglected area surrounded by some very shoddy edifices that encourage vagrancy and crime.
What impact will this ill conceived plan have on the marine and coastal environment? Who can say for sure what the consequences will be?
And now for the final question.............(so please help me here)
IS THE SOUTH PIER BEING EXTENDED AS WE SPEAK?
Remember when they extended it in the late sixties. The Wedge never really broke properly again on a south swell.
2010-01-19 16:06:28

x:
Is there a difference between the artist impression and actually cementing up the reef?
2010-01-18 16:08:35

Doormat Jack:
I appreciate the newly created sandbanks the Durban municipality have given us thanks to the Pier upgrade but Vetch's Reef is one of my favorite waves when it breaks. I will be bummed to loose it forever.
2010-01-18 09:20:16


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