A proposal to build a Visitor Education Centre at the Harmony Flats Nature Reserve is intended to promote conservation efforts and teach the community the importance of safeguarding the environment they are living in.
The reserve is located on the boundary between Strand and Gordon’s Bay, on the corner of Gustrouw Avenue and 11th Street in Strand. It is adjacent to the Gustrouw Sports Grounds and behind Southfork, and also serves as a daily access route for pedestrians to cross from Broadlands Boulevard to First Street.
They make use of a boardwalk to enjoy the fauna and flora on the way to work in the morning and back home in the late afternoon.
Access is free, except overnight, when the gates are locked for security purposes.
Ward 100 councillor Sean Stacey confirmed the area falls under his ward and he recently met with project managers and environment assessment practitioners on site regarding the upcoming development.
The City of Cape Town Biodiversity Management Department, under the directorate of Urban Planning and Design, has proposed to develop the Visitor Education Centre.
“This project will help achieve the CoCT’s goal of a inclusive city with positive upliftment of surrounding communities,” Stacey said.
“From what I understand, this facility will be usable for schools to take day trips to learn about local flora/fauna, walk-in visits, training as well as community meetings.
“I am excited about this knowledge sharing hub, and I hope it will bring a new appreciation for and awareness of environmental sustainability needs for future generations.
“I haven’t had any objections or concerns brought to my attention except that of safety concerns if the property is not properly fenced off and/or given enough 24/7 security. However, the environmental management department has ensured me that this is being well managed.”
Stacey added there is unique growth of fauna and flora in the nature reserve found nowhere else, so it was important for the community to take advantage of the visitor centre once it materialised.
“I am a huge supporter of environmental care. I believe if we don’t take care of the environment we won’t have a planet to live on in the next few decades. It is tragic when we allow species of flora or fauna to become extinct due to human activity.
“Therefore, I wholeheartedly support any initiative to protect these and to raise awareness of them.”
Currently an old half-built structure standing on the property will be incorporated into the forecourt, parking will be added and contractors will make use of passive “green-design” principles.
This means they will use environmentally sustainable materials and strive to leave behind a zero carbon footprint.
A decently sized hall for community meetings will be built as well as a kitchenette, braai facilities, a lookout deck, classrooms and an amphitheatre for conferences and events.
A visit to the site this week showed a well-kept nature reserve that, just more than a month ago, bore the brunt of a wildfire, but now shrubs are starting to shoot again.
“It takes really long to grow back, but it grows beautifully,” Jacques Muller, a security officer for Quemic Africa, pointed out.
“The company incorporates elements of environmental awareness and conservation into its security services. We look after this environment, remove invasive species, ensure no littering takes place and visitors abide by the rules and do not destroy any vegetation. It’s very busy here on a daily basis, and people do enjoy the walk here as it is safe.”
Muller added there are also tortoises on the property as well as several snakes.
According to Operational Manager for the reserve, Reginald Booysen of the City’s Environmental Department, the wildlife is adapted to fires as snakes burrow underground and tortoises move away from the area.
“The flowers are out in full bloom during September, October and November, and that’s when the you can really see why it’s so important to conserve and protect this area,” he said. During season a number of nature groups visit the reserve and guided walks can even be arranged on request.
Stacey concluded that he is also incredibly excited for the multi-purpose-centre aspect of the project.
“A community centre or hall is something we as Ward 100 are in urgent need of. Hopefully this will be able to fully serve that need.
“At this stage I cannot give you information on the exact cost or completion timeline of the project, but I will provide feedback as soon as I get such information.”
