VIA FIRST CLASS MAIL AND ELECTRONIC MAIL (Peter.Kuyler@dae.kzntl.gov.za; kuylerp@dae.kzntl.gov.za) (md@pravinamar.com; environmental@pravinamar.com)
The KZN Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs Private Bag x6005 Hilton 3245. Durban, South Africa
Pravin Amar Development Planners PO Box 52040 Berea Road 4007 Durban, South Africa
Opposition to the Development of a Small Craft Harbour at Vetchies: Response To The "Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) For The Small Craft Harbour"
Dear Directors and Consultants:
As an interested party, I strongly oppose the development of a small craft harbour, or any other structure below the high water mark at Vetchies Beach in Durban. The development will certainly have a destructive impact on Vetchies Beach, the area's most popular beach and water sport venue. The plans include cementing over most of the beach and reef, which will completely bury the wave, the beach, and eradicate the entire lush ecosystem and its inhabitants.
Vetchies Beach is located in an area close to the Umgeni River Bird Park which breeds 23 species listed on the C.I.T.E.S. appendix 1 (conservation's highest protection status) and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, where an excess of 300 species of birds have been recorded. The harbour development will dramatically alter the natural habitat for these birds, which will have a disrupting impact on their habitat stability which is currently delicate for many birds.
The people will also be impacted by this unnecessary harbour. If the DPDC is allowed to build a Small Craft harbour at Vetchies, the residents of and visitors to Durban, will be deprived of access to this unique stretch of beach which cannot be replicated anywhere on the East Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Preventing a revenue source from enjoying the ocean and waves is not conducive to tourism, nor conducive to supporting the local economy.
There are a number of alternate sites, which are, in all ways suitable for the development of a small craft harbour, without destroying Vetchies Beach. It is my belief that the DPDC has not adequately researched these alternatives.
For these reasons, this proposed project not only has negative environmental impacts, but it also will have a severe impact on tourism and in turn, the local economy which benefits from visitors who enjoy Vetchies beach.
Please ensure my opposition is adequately logged and that your government works to stop what can be a fatal mistake for South African tourism, environmentalism and culture.
Very Truly Yours, Name Occupation City, State, Country
cc: Republic of South Africa Deputy Director General: Tourism Dr Patrick Matlou pmatlou@deat.gov.za
Republic of South Africa Deputy Director General: Marine And Coastal Management Dr Monde Mayekiso mmayekiso@deat.gov.za
Councilor Obed Mlaba EThekwini Mayor mayorspa@durban.gov.za
Dr Debra Roberts Environmental Management at eThekweni Municipality robertsd@durban.gov.za
Dr Felicia Mabuza-Suttle President, South African Tourism info.us@southafrica.net
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