Despite the chilly weather, Saturday morning saw a gathering of 82 members of the public at Blue Lagoon Park to make their inputs on the Social Impact Assessment that the eThekwini Municipality has commissioned with respect to its proposal to infill the Model Yacht Pond.
Members of the radio and model boat sailing community handed over a petition with some 652 signatures, which motivated that the model yacht pond should be retained.
Mr Mike Andrews, Deputy Head at Strategic Projects Unit indicated that, “It was good to hear the opinions of the concerned model yacht community, and as a Municipality we remain committed to ensuring that Blue Lagoon Park is developed for the maximum public benefit. “This area forms part of the beachfront precinct, which is a critical area for recreation and one that the City is continuing to invest in”.
Dr Neville Bews, independent social impact assessment practitioner said, “We are happy with the turnout and feel that this has been a good opportunity for concerned parties to engage and express their views. We have also been surveying the opinions of people using Blue Lagoon Park over the past few days. We are continuing these surveys on Sunday, and will then start analysing the information and preparing the social impact assessment. This will make certain recommendations about whether the infilling of the model yacht pond is likely to have significant positive or negative social effects. This report will be sent to the Minister of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development, who will then study it and decide whether to grant the Municipality permission for the project.”
The cut-off date for submission of comments for the Social Impact Assessment is 17 August 2011. Questionnaire forms can be obtained from Dr Neville Bews at bewsco@netactive.co.za.
Related articles
- Learn to sail with model boats on Seattle’s Lake Union Park pond (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
