|
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
|
