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Disaster Management

11 November 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality completes final phase of the installation of Smoke Detection Devices in Rheenendal

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality completes final phase of the installation of Smoke Detection Devices in Rheenendal

For immediate release
11 November 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in partnership with the Knysna Municipality, today (11 November 2024) completed the installation of over 60 smoke detectors in homes within the Rheenendal community near Knysna. This marks the final phase of the project to install almost 500 smoke detectors in the area.

The detectors were installed by firefighters with councillors fulfilling an oversight role. Firefighters, while installing the devices, also educated home-owners about the use of the devices.

The team of  firefighters ready to install the smoke detectors at dwellings situated in the Rheenendal area.

Smoke detectors, or smoke alarms, are devices designed to sense smoke and emit an audible or visual alert to warn of a fire.

Today’s installations covered the following areas within Rheenendal:

  • Monkey Valley (9 homes)
  • Soccer Valley (9 homes)
  • Lapland (18 homes)
  • Pine Valley (3 homes)
  • Busy Corner (5 homes)
  • Uitsig Section 5 (2 homes)
  • Uitsig Sections 1, 2, 3, and Honey Valley (15 homes combined)
  • Hou my nat (2 homes)

The project has been supported by Cllr Hoogbaard, the Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services at GRDM, Cllr Hilton Stroebel, Knysna and GRDM Councillor, Deon Stoffels, GRDM’s Chief Fire Officer, Marthina Tieties, Community Facilitator from Asivikelane representing the Rheenendal community, as well as GRDM firefighters and officials who all formed part of the installations.

During his address as part of the formal programme, Cllr Hoogbaard said: “The installation of smoke alarms in informal dwellings is a critical step towards preventing fire-related tragedies and promoting a culture of fire safety. This project aligns perfectly with our municipality’s goals of providing a safe and healthy environment for all”.

Hoogbaard further commended the project’s organisers for their proactive approach to addressing this pressing need. “The partnership between GRDM, Knysna Municipality, the Provincial Government, as well as the community, demonstrates our collective commitment to improving the quality of life for our most vulnerable residents,” he added.

The project’s objectives include:

  • Reducing fire-related deaths, injuries, and property damage;
  • Educating residents on the importance of smoke alarm installation and maintenance;
  • Assisting residents in developing and practicing home fire escape plans;
  • Helping municipalities comply with legislative requirements under the Municipal Structures Act, Disaster Management Act, and Fire Brigade Services Act;
  • Enhancing relations between the community and local fire departments.

Smoke detectors installed at various dwellings within the Rheenendal area.

Early detection of home fires is crucial for reducing fatalities and injuries. Fires can smoulder before igniting into flames, often releasing toxic gases that cause suffocation – the main cause of fire-related deaths. Smoke can disorient or incapacitate people quickly, especially during sleep, as studies show that the smell of smoke does not wake people. Detecting a fire early, while it is still smouldering, allows time for safe evacuation, and reduces the risk of suffocation.

GRDM therefore remains dedicated to enhancing fire safety for communities within the Garden Route.

ENDS

24 October 2024 Media Release: SAPS, GRDM, Mossel Bay Municipality and stakeholders in the Garden Route collaborate in launching October the Safer Festive Season campaign in Mossel Bay

Media Release: SAPS, GRDM, Mossel Bay Municipality and stakeholders in the Garden Route collaborate launching October  the Safer Festive Season campaign in Mossel Bay

For immediate release
24 October 2024

The South African Police Service (SAPS), Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Mossel Bay Municipality, and various stakeholders from the Garden Route launched the Safer Festive Season campaign yesterday, 23 October 2024, at the Extension 23 Sports Ground Stadium in Mossel Bay. The event brought together police officers, municipal leaders, youth, and community members, all united in promoting safety during the upcoming holiday season.

Stakeholer representatives in attendance at the Joint Operation Centre in Mossel Bay.

The day commenced with a briefing session at Mossel Bay’s Joint Operations Centre, where plans and resources in ensuring the safety of residents and tourists, were discussed. Following the briefing, stakeholders participated in an integrated roadblock near PetroSA before gathering at the stadium for the official launch of the campaign.

During the briefing, Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, emphasised the importance of crime prevention in sustaining the district’s rapid growth, particularly as the Garden Route remains a major tourist destination. He expressed the municipality’s commitment to public safety, adding that “the crime rate is being addressed with utmost priority to continue fostering economic growth”. Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Adv. Lieutenant General Thembisa Patekile, highlighted the need to support officers’ well-being, including addressing their housing needs. Mayor Stroebel responded that GRDM is actively working to become a housing authority, with an application currently in process.

The delegation subsequently participated in the roadblock near PetroSA in Mossel Bay creating awareness about safety in general.

Speakers addressing the representatives from various organisations as well as members of the community.

Arriving at the stadium, the delegation was welcomed by officers in ‘Blue’, representatives from various other organisations, community members and school representatives from the area, to name a few. The formal programme commenced with a parade in honour of the role of SAPS officers in the community and the safety of the residents of the district.

In his address at the event, Mayor Stroebel extended words of appreciation to all the partners involved in the campaign specifically pointing out SAPS, emergency services and the various departments that have come together in unity to make the launch of the Safer Festive Season campaign possible. He said: “Your dedication to ensuring the safety and security of our community is invaluable, and it gives me immense confidence in our collective ability to face the challenges of the festive season”. In addition, he further reiterated that “the Garden Route is not only a beautiful and vibrant region but also a significant tourist destination, drawing thousands of visitors during the holiday period”.

“We recognise the increased responsibility on our shoulders to ensure that both our residents and visitors feel safe and protected. Through our partnerships and the tireless work of all stakeholders involved, we are well-prepared to meet this challenge head-on.”

Parades of honour by SAPS officers at the event.

While Mayor Stroebel mentioned that safety and security cannot be achieved by one entity alone, he noted that “through strong partnerships we are able to ensure a cohesive and proactive approach to managing risks. These partnerships allow us to work together towards the common goal of providing a secure environment, not just over the festive season, but throughout the year,” he added. “Together, we will continue to build a region where everyone can enjoy the holidays in peace and security, knowing that they are supported by a strong and capable network of professionals,” he concluded.

Executive Deputy Mayor of Mossel Bay Municipality, Ald. Cliffie Bayman, when offering the residents of the Garden Route the assurance that Mossel Bay and the broader Garden Route is in safe hands while heading into the festive season, he said: “Today is an opportunity to show that partnerships built up through, for example, the Joint Operation Centre, have helped safeguard Mossel Bay and, through the K9 Unit, Mossel Bay has played a key supporting role in growing safety in the broader Western Cape”. In addition, Ald. Bayman further reminded all present that “today is a show of force and collaboration, a promise that the Council will continue to build on the success of these partnerships”. On behalf of the Mossel Bay he offered his full support towards the campaign and an overall safer festive season.

The operational plan handed over to Western Cape Commissioner, Adv. Lieutenant General Thembisa Patekile.

Lieutenant General Patekile encouraged communities to exercise caution during the December holidays as he made specific mention to the issue of gender-based violence (GBV), domestic violence, particularly women and children. Patekile further said: “We urge everyone as SAPS takes GBV extremely seriously – through our efforts, we will continue to protect the vulnerable, the elderly and women, as well as children”. In general, Patekile further encouraged communities to change their attitude, change the narrative and he advised that “we want you to be happy, everybody must be happy, as long as there should be no loss of life”.

Patekile further mentioned that SAPS deals with plenty occurrences of the loss of lives amongst young persons. He advised that “we should prevent situations that trigger conflict and that we should respect one another’s space”.  he He further advised: “After attending an event, go home and sleep, do not cause problems”.  He urged parents and communities to advise the youth, specifically young men, to act wisely and in the best interest of everyone’s safety. In terms of growing the economy he encouraged the public not to purchase counterfeit food at stores. These are merely a few of the many tips he shared with all present.  In terms of extortion, he seriously advised that victims of extortion should report their cases to the toll-free number 0800 314 444.

Dry-runs conducted during the event.

The rest of the activities included the Code of Conduct of SAPS Officers delivered by Constable Slingers in committing themselves to the safety of society, dry-runs of various crime-related incidents that police officers are tasked with on a daily basis, the marching of the Guard of Honour and instrumental performances by the men and ladies in blue, an exhibition and ultimately the handing over of the Operation Plan to the Lieutenant General Patekile.

Strong partnerships created and fostered for a safer Garden Route district.

Representatives from the Community Policing Forum, Spiritual Crime Prevention, the Department of Correctional Services, as well as the Provincial Traffic Department were also in attendance.

 

ENDS

21 October 2024 Media Release: Kaaimans Gorge, a lost treasure

Media Release: Kaaimans Gorge, a lost treasure

For immediate release
21 October 2024

“Paying a heavy price for development and road infrastructure, the iconic Kaaimans Gorge between Wilderness and George has lost much of its environmental and historical significance,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF). The iconic gorge symbolises everything the Garden  Route represents but is subjected to the full impact of one of South Africa’s busiest highways.

Kaaimans Gorge is a vital conservation corridor linking the Indian Ocean with the Outeniqua mountains and is a marine and terrestrial biodiversity treasure chest. Periodic land- slides, the formation of erosion gullies, unprecedented growth of invasive alien plants and the damming of water flow upstream of Kaaimans Gorge collectively pushed the Kaaimans balance of nature and sense of place to a point of no return.

In addition to the above, an indigenous creeper has in less than a decade covered much of the northern slope of the Kaaimans indigenous forest. This development led to the collapse of the forest under the weight of the creeper and no doubt will cause further land-slides as dead  biomass and water-logged soils with no plant cover to keep it in check, will at some point give way to gravity.

More often than not, the environment has to give way to development and the growing needs of resource-hungry populations. If the Garden Route is to retain any of its allure as an international point of interest, those living in it should make special efforts to conserve what remains of one of the most special natural spaces on the African continent.

Garden Route river systems are essential conservation corridors which are essential to the survival of biodiversity and land owners in their catchments can contribute to their optimal functionality by clearing their land of invasive alien plants.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental management agencies and a climate change think- tank. (grefscli.org.za)

Photo: Kaaimans gorge

03 October 2024 Media Release: Stenden South Africa Second-Year Students Tour Garden Route District Municipality’s Disaster Management Centre

Media Release: Stenden South Africa Second-Year Students Tour Garden Route District Municipality’s Disaster Management Centre

03 October 2024

Earlier this week the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Disaster Management Centre welcomed a group of second-year students from Stenden South Africa as part of their educational tour. This visit marked an important stop on the students’ Cape Town-bound journey, which began in the Eastern Cape at the Sarah Baartman District Centre. Along their route, the students are scheduled to visit various Disaster Management Centres (DM centres) and important sites, including the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station.

Stenden South Africa is an international university that offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Honours degree in Disaster Management. The institution is renowned for its approach, combining theoretical knowledge with practical experiences, equipping students to manage real-world disaster scenarios and global development challenges. Their four-year program builds expertise in key areas such as disaster response, humanitarian security, and global social development.

Among the key modules covered during their studies are:

  • Conflict Management and Humanitarian Security Law
  • Disaster Response, Role Players and Relationships
  • Introduction to Accounting
  • Logistics & Business Communication 2
  • Research Methodology & Field Research 1

The program’s structure is designed to progressively cover foundational topics in the first year, such as Disaster Management Planning, Project Management, and Economics. By the third year, students engage in more advanced subjects like Climate Variability and Strategic Management. Furthermore, specialized international modules in Thailand, such as Global Social Development and International Relations, enhance the students’ global perspective.

The GRDM Disaster Management Centre was one of the major highlights of the trip, providing students with a first-hand look at operational disaster management processes. During the visit, the current GRDM interns were invited to share their experiences, offering the students valuable insights into the day-to-day realities of disaster management. These exchanges provided practical context to their studies and gave them a glimpse into potential career paths.

In addition to the intern presentations, a Stenden South Africa alumna, now working as a disaster management officer at GRDM, shared her personal career journey. Her reflections on transitioning from student to professional provided inspiration and guidance for the visiting students, showing how their studies could shape their future roles in the field.

This visit is one of many ongoing collaborations between GRDM and Stenden South Africa, nurturing a dynamic exchange of knowledge and mentorship. Each year, such engagements provide students with practical exposure to disaster management, enhancing their academic experiences. The inclusion of GRDM interns in this year’s program offered the students peer-level insights and further emphasized GRDM’s commitment to developing the next generation of disaster management professionals.

Featured image caption: GRDM Disaster Management Officials alongside second-year students from Stenden South Africa during their visit to the GRDM Disaster Management Centre.

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26 September 2024 Media Release: Regenerating degraded land may prove a lifeline to Garden Route biodiversity

Media Release: Regenerating degraded land may prove a lifeline to Garden Route biodiversity

26 September 2024 

“Well over a million hectares of agricultural land in the Southern Cape interior, Karoo and neighbouring Eastern Cape has over time degraded to a point where it can no longer be regarded as suitable for sustainable farming,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

There are multiple reasons for land to degrade to a point where it can no longer sustain biodiversity. The most significant of factors instigating land degradation generally include a combination of climate change, over grazing, irresponsible land management practices, over-extraction of water resources and deforestation.

Habitat loss as a result of new development and rapid urbanization is fast causing the Garden Route to lose biodiversity posing a challenge to those tasked with environmental management and sustainability. Efforts to conserve, grow and protect intact biodiversity is vital for the future well- being of the Garden Route and the quality of life of all dependent on it.

Land restoration and rehabilitation is a complex process which takes time and absorb substantial resources before the full benefit thereof take effect, but the restoration of thousands of hectares of degraded agricultural land holds the key to mitigate biodiversity and habitat loss elsewhere. At the same time eco-system restoration has the potential to earn carbon credit benefits and in parts of Kannaland there are already such efforts underway.

The creation of conservation corridors allowing for the free movement and survival of terrestrial species are increasingly understood and supported by landowners outside the urban edge, whilst conservancies and green belts within the urban edge goes a long way towards that objective.

The creation and maintenance of a healthy environment is a shared responsibility and GREF would like to urge land owners and land managers to contribute towards re-establishing natural habitats and the conservation of threatened eco-systems in the Garden Route.

Feature image caption: Degraded land in the Southern Cape interior, Karoo and bordering Eastern Cape can be restored to sustain biodiversity.

ENDS

25 September 2024 Media Release: Millions Invested in Garden Route District Municipality’s Fire and Disaster Management Response Units by Western Cape Government

Media Release: Millions Invested in Garden Route District Municipality’s Fire and Disaster Management Response Units by Western Cape Government

25 September 2024

Grant funding for capacity building to date has surpassed R15 million, provided by the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG) Department of Local Government (DLG), Directorate Fire & Rescue and Disaster Management’s Fire Services, to the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM).

Fire Chief Deon Stoffels commented on the significance of the funding: “The purpose of the capacity building ensures that the GRDM’s emergency capacity, mobilization, response, and mitigation systems are of a standard that meets the region’s risks. This also ensures that the GRDM at a Local Government level builds enough capacity to assist with fire and disaster management responses across the region at local municipalities.”

Key projects to date, backed by Provincial funding, include:

  • Assistance of R3 million for the Regional Fire Station that was official unveiled on 2 February 2024;
  • In June 2024, a hook lift truck for flood and related response was delivered to the cost of R 2,5 million;
  • A fully equipped firefighting light duty vehicle to the value of R 981 000;
  • A mobile hazmat response unit to the value of R 500 000;
  • Ongoing roll-out of smoke detectors and the past year contribution were to the value of R 500 000;
  • A water delivery tanker was acquired, to the cost of R 1,2 million.

All the above projects have been concluded within the 2023/2024 financial year.

For the current and next financial year, further assistance in terms of grant funding is for an amount of R 7,2 million. This includes funding of R5 million to build a flood response unit, with various containerised equipment caches, including a hovercraft, an overhead housing facility. In addition, R 1 million will be made available for hazardous material equipment, mobile units. Lastly, one more water delivery truck worth R 1,2 million will be acquired to assist areas that are affected by water services issues.

These projects are implemented in line with relevant supply chain management procedures, and the recent handover marks the final step in meeting the objectives outlined in the various Business Plans and Transfer Payment Agreements.

Official Handover Ceremony held on 25 September 2024 at the GRDM Regional Fire Station

During the official handing over ceremony, the GRDM invited a Ettienne du Toit, the Western Cape Provincial Government Deputy Director for Fire Services to a handover ceremony of the assets the GRDM procured.

GRDM Municipal Manager Monde Stratu, during the ceremony, said: “It is only recently, due to climate change, that there has been an increased push for more response units. There has been an increase in disaster-related incidents . We see this every year as we face floods and fires. Stratu said that the GRDM Council appreciates the WCG efforts in providing the district with critical resources. “With our current budget constraints, we simply do not have the capacity to acquire these assets on our own, so your assistance is invaluable.”

The Municipal Manager also said the demand for the GRDM to assist local municipalities continues to grow – “being a fire-prone district, we need all the help we can get.”

“Thank you, Western Cape Government, for these life-saving contributions,” he concluded.

Ettienne du Toit, Deputy Director of Fire Services in the Western Cape, added:

“For the Western Cape Government, it’s an absolute pleasure to be involved here. We see this as a partnership—we all serve the same communities, and they trust us to help protect them. We must ensure we don’t disappoint them. The Western Cape has already faced eight disasters this calendar year, mostly involving floods, fires, and a significant electricity outage.” According to du Toit, the damage so far in the province is recorded at R9 billion, and the WCG has absorbed these costs.

“We must safeguard our emergency response resources, particularly as the province faces financial challenges that have led to job cuts.

The Water Response Project is the first of its kind in the Western Cape, and we are proud to see its rollout here at the Garden Route district. Given the increasing frequency of floods and fires, this investment is crucial. The water tankers are designed for humanitarian assistance, while the large vehicles aid in lifting containers. The plan is to expand this, not just for water but for hazmat, humanitarian, and chemical incidents.

“There’s a growing need for heavy-duty vehicles, and the goal is to ensure every town in the Western Cape is equipped with a well-resourced hazmat capability. As informal settlements continue to grow, so too does the risk of fire fatalities. For over eight years, we’ve been working to install smoke alarms in these areas, but there’s still much more to be done. It’s encouraging to see the development of the fire station and the fitness of the firefighters, and we look forward to seeing this partnership continue to grow. It is a pleasure to hand over these resources to you,” concluded du Toit.

ENDS

16 September 2024 Media Release: Ozone Day – International Day of the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

Media Release: Ozone Day – International Day of the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

For immediate release
16 September 2024

Ozone Day, or formally called the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, is celebrated annually on September 16. This day is commemorating the date (in 1987) of the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The closure of the hole in the ozone layer was observed 30 years after the protocol was signed, but due to the nature of the gases responsible for ozone depletion their chemical effects are expected to continue for between 50 and 100 years.

The ozone layer is important as it protects earth from the harmful UV rays coming from the sun. It also helps to keep the temperature of the earth moderate by reflecting the harmful sun rays which makes the life of living organisms suitable on earth.

Climate change is linked to ozone depletion as many of the same gases that are causing ozone depletion are also contributing to climate change. These gases, such as the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), are greenhouse gases, absorbing some of the infrared radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface, thereby effectively heating the Earth’s surface.

Conversely, changes in the climate of the Earth could affect the behaviour of the ozone layer, because the ozone is influenced by changes in the meteorological conditions and by changes in the atmospheric composition that could result from climate change. Ozone loss can also impact climate change, as ozone depletion in the lower stratosphere can create a cooling effect on the earth.

“We can protect the ozone by banning ozone-depleting substances which will allow the ozone layer to slowly recover,” said Dr Nina Viljoen, Head of Environmental Management at Garden Route District Municipality. In addition, Viljoen emphasised that a healthy ozone layer protects millions of people from skin cancer and eye cataracts, safeguards ecosystems and slows down climate change – as many ozone-depleting substances ODSs are also potent greenhouse gases with high Global Warming Potential (GWP) that contribute to climate change.

Click here to read a related Facebook article.

ENDS

27 August 2024 Media Release: Another Successful First Aid Training Held at Garden Route District Municipality’s Joint Operation Centre

This First Aid Level 3 course certification, which remains valid for three years, plays a vital role in equipping participants with the skills necessary to respond to emergencies in the workplace. The course consisted of three days of theoretical instruction and a practical exercise on Thursday where students had the opportunity to practice Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), wound dressings, and other critical first aid skills. On Friday, the program concluded with a test.

The course is open to all, offering a week-long opportunity to gain essential life-saving skills.

For more information on upcoming training sessions, please contact the Garden Route District Municipality’s Disaster Management officers: Gail Bekeer – 044 803 1347 or gail.bekeer@gardenroute.gov.za  and Wouter Jacobs – 044 803 1316 wouter@gardenroute.gov.za

Featured Image Caption: Attendees from various offices of the WC Department of Justice and Knysna Municipality who participated in the 5-day training course.

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26 August 2024 Media Release: Uncertain future as sand dunes are washed away

Media Release: Uncertain future as sand dunes are washed away

For immediate release
26 August 2024

“The frequency and severity of winter storms are on the increase and as sand dunes protecting infrastructure and residential properties from the ferocity of the ocean that are regularly damaged and often completely washed away, beachfront home owners have reason for concern”, says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

Primary and secondary sand dunes covered by indigenous vegetation are considered natural infrastructure and act as vital barriers protecting the interior from incoming high tides and wave action. As much as storms and super high tides affecting coastlines and dune systems can be considered normal, it is their frequency and increased ferocity that are posing a real and present threat to hard infrastructure and properties along beaches and low-lying areas such as lagoons, river mouths and estuaries.

Along the SA coastline homeowners with valuable beach properties are concerned about the long term future prospects of their houses. Along sections of the N2 highway in the Southern and Eastern Cape the ocean recently breached the vital road a number of times leading to road closures and damage.

Sand dunes and beaches are protected under environmental legislation and landowners are not permitted to strengthen and re- enforce washed- away dune systems in front of their properties without permission from the powers that be. Still, there is no doubt that the problems and threats of rising seas and storm surges are getting worse and there is reason for concern.

Even where permissions have been granted to protect dunes from being completely washed away those interventions are expensive and need to be comprehensive in order to be effective against the power of the sea. More often than not municipalities lack the funds to build back climate resilient infrastructure with damage incurred due to flooding, landslides and high seas.

Insurance entities are well aware of where high risk properties are located and may well amend their policies over time to be able to compensate for the high levels of exposure to the elements.

Disaster management entities monitor the impact of the ocean on high risk areas and regularly issue advisory notices when strong wind, super high tides and torrential rain all join forces in creating potential threats to coastal communities and properties.

Feature Image: Wilderness beach: Beach-front properties are increasingly threatened by rising sea levels and storm surges. –Photo Supplied

Issued: GREF

GREF is the premier public platform for regional environmental and conservation managers in the Southern Cape.

ENDS

22 August 2024 Media Release: Early warning and planning important in coping with severe weather

Media Release: Early warning and planning important in coping with severe weather

For immediate release
22 August 2024

“The advent of public information platforms developed over the past two decades timeously informing populations of all incoming weather events has been a game-changer in dealing with direct climate change impacts such as record rainfall figures received in 2024,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

As climate change- related events such as storm surges, severe weather, damaging wind, flood and wild fire alerts affect the Southern Cape with increased regularity, the question begs if communities still pay sufficient attention to adverse weather advisories.

Running the risk of information saturation communities are urged to always take note of weather advisories and act in accordance as they are issued for good reason and can save lives and assets as environmental threats are on the increase.

Damaging weather- related impacts have become common- place as flooding events regularly wash away hard infrastructure, mountain passes are regularly closed and roads becoming inaccessible for extended periods.

Perhaps one of the most devastating results of changes in rainfall patterns and flooding in recent times were experienced by KZN and areas in the Western Cape where national and regional access roads and bridges were damaged and washed away leaving communities living in flood plains and along river banks severely affected.

Compounding matters further, the impact of a slow- growing economy is felt as municipalities across the board are suffering from diminishing budgets and restraints inhibiting them from rebuilding damaged infrastructure and impacting negatively on planned development.

Ironically countries just north of RSA including Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe are suffering from severe drought effecting food security. Given the sustained rain received during the past few years the prospect of drought in the Garden Route may seem unlikely right now but it may well return towards the end of 2025 and is something to constantly be aware of in terms of planning for the needs of increased population and development.

In dealing with natural disasters, the well- being of natural infrastructure such as priority water catchments, feeder streams, riparian zones and wetlands are vital. Much of these invaluable natural systems fall within the borders of private land and are badly affected by invasive alien plant densities having a destructive effect on not only the functionality of these systems but also loss of critical biodiversity.

GREF is the premier public platform for regional environmental and conservation managers in the Southern Cape.

Issued by: Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)

Picture (Cobus Meiring): Sand and debris along the Botrivier N2 Highway crossing cleared to prevent a recurrence of the road being washed away as it did earlier in 2024.

 

ENDS