Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning

Answered by: 
Hon Anton Bredell
Question Number: 
8
Question Body: 

Question by Hon Bryant.

In relation to the section of land in Grabouw, previously managed by the national Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, that was unlawfully invaded in 2021 and is now managed and owned by the national Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI):

  1. How will his Department be assisting the national Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) to address the land invasions at the site;
  2. whether Disaster Risk Management has identified any potential risks to the surrounding community and adjacent farms; if so, what are the relevant details;
  3. whether his Department is currently engaged in any legal proceedings with the DPWI regarding the invaded site; if so, what are the relevant details?
Answer Body: 
  1. (1)   Yes, the Department of Local Government is collaborating with the National Department of Water and Sanitation and the Municipality in conjunction with the National  Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, by monitoring the provision of temporary basic services to the community.
  2. Knofflokskraal itself is rated as an orange fire risk due to the intensifying informal housing development in between the vegetation. The reason for orange and not red is because we do not consider it a risk to the adjacent properties. This is due to strategic firebreaks established between ODM and landowners like Cape Nature as well as private landowners together with the Greater Overberg Fire Protection Association. Previous fires also removed fuel that could have endangered the adjacent properties.
  3. No, the Department is currently not engaged in any legal proceedings with the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure regarding this matter.
Date: 
Friday, September 20, 2024
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