Once a seasonal vlei used for various purposes including a dynamite factory water supply, the Paardevlei wetland in Somerset West has transformed into a thriving ecosystem and beloved natural escape for local residents. However, its future is now uncertain due to planned development in the area.
Residents are fighting back as a petition to declare Paardevlei wetland a conservation area or nature reserve has already gained well over 2 700 signatures and counting.
Paardevlei boasts a rich history dating back to the area’s earliest settlers. According to Tiffany Schultz, Friends of Paardevlei chairperson, evidence of ocean-dependent hunter gatherers and remnants of the dynamite factory stand as testaments to the site’s past. Despite facing years of disruption and contamination Paardevlei’s transformation into flourishing wetland exemplifies nature’s resilience and the dedication of individuals who championed its restoration.
“Today, Paardevlei is a hotspot for birdwatchers, with more than 218 species recorded in the past 13 years,” explained Schultz. “This includes endangered species like the Maccoa Duck, Blue Crane and Greater Flamingo. The vlei also provides a habitat for diverse wildlife such as Marsh Terrapins, Caracal and the Cape Dwarf Chameleon. Local residents cherish Paardevlei as a place to walk, breathe fresh air and connect with nature, offering a much-needed escape from the urban sprawl.”
Lack of community involvement
She added that the recent purchase and subdivision of the previously privately owned property by the City of Cape Town casts a shadow over Paardevlei’s future. Planned development in the surrounding areas raises concerns about the vlei’s delicate ecosystem. Schultz said the Friends of Paardevlei, a local conservation group, questions the transparency of the approval process and the lack of community involvement. It emphasises the importance of Stormwater and Environmental Management Plans to mitigate the detrimental impact of development.
“The fate of Paardevlei’s main vlei area currently rests in the hands of a few decision makers,” Schultz said. “The Friends of Paardevlei urges the local community to raise their voices and demand a say in the vlei’s future. Protecting the vlei and its surrounding ecosystem is crucial for ensuring clean water, a healthy environment and green spaces for the community’s well-being.”
She added that the call to action is clear: Paardevlei deserves conservation status as a nature reserve or protected area, and she urged everyone to stand with the community and fight for Paardevlei’s future.
Approached for comment, the Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee member for Spatial Planning and the Environment, Eddie Andrews, stated it was important to note Paardevlei refers to the total area previously used by the De Beers factory, and not just the vlei.
Development approved
“The last application received was for the proposed development of Precinct 2,” he said. “This is the land to the north, east and west of the vlei, but excluding the vlei itself.” According to Andrews the Municipal Planning Tribunal (MPT) approved a development plan for Precinct 2 in November 2021. This includes subdividing the land surrounding the vlei and rezoning it for mixed-use purposes. Importantly, the vlei itself remains on a separate portion of land.
Responding to concerns that development will negatively impact the vlei’s wildlife habitat and tranquil atmosphere, Andrews stated the City assured them that detailed future development plans will include measures to protect the vlei.
“The Environmental and Heritage Management Department will require developers to maintain ecological buffers and ensure proper stormwater management,” he said.
Andrews explained that the vlei has subsequently been subdivided from Precinct 2 and an updated Operational Environmental Management Plan (OEMP) had been developed with a recommendation to establish a Management Review Committee which includes organisations with an interest in the conservation and management of the wetlands.
The plan proposed management interventions and monitoring requirements of the wetland conditions.
“The proposal for Precinct 2 is to ultimately accommodate approximately 2 430 residential opportunities and 147 000 m² of mixed use bulk (including office, retail, light industrial, institutional, roads and open spaces),” Andrews said.
Regarding the transparency of the process, he gave the assurance that the required land-use application was submitted for the proposed development of a portion of the Paardevlei land.
Andrews said the application was duly advertised for public comment or objection in terms of the City’s Municipal Planning By-law before the competent authority, in this case the Municipal Planning Tribunal, made a decision. The Environmental Impact Assessment also had a separate public-participation process to allow for comment and objections.
The City maintained the development-approval process followed proper procedures. The land-use application was advertised for public comment, and a separate public-participation process accompanied the Environmental Impact Assessment. However, some residents feel excluded, questioning why local organisations weren’t directly consulted during the subdivision stage.
The City clarified that the Precinct 2 application followed the Municipal Planning By-law’s public-participation process, including newspaper ads, notifications to nearby property owners and on-site notices. Notably, only one objection was received, focusing on affordable housing, not the subdivision itself.
Andrews also noted the detailed proposals and Stormwater and Environmental Management Plans for these developments were held with the City. Should members of the public wish to view such documents they can submit a request to the Access to Information Office at Access2Info.Act@capetown.gov.za
Siseko Mbandezi, the City’s Acting Mayco Member for Human Settlements, said in response to concerns that residents were not involved in the process so far, and the proposed OEMP has been developed with a recommendation to establish a Management Review Committee, which includes organisations with an interest in the conservation and management of the wetland.
“There has been no engagement as yet (public participation) as the draft OEMP is still circulating for internal comments prior to finalisation,” said Mbandezi.
According to Willene van der Merwe, chairperson of the Somerset West Bird Club, most of the wetlands and rivers between Somerset West and Cape Town have been lost to birds because of housing developments or farming or pollution.
“Paardevlei is the last sanctuary where close to 200 species of wildlife can survive in a natural habitat that should be retained as such at all costs.”
Lisa Starr of Helderberg Ocean Awareness stated: “Paardevlei dam is a very important vlei which hosts a huge variety of natural life.
Wetlands are essential as they prevent flooding and are a breeding ground for many animals.
Regular flooding at the nearby The Sanctuary Shopping Centre proves that buildings and wetlands don’t mix. We need to protect and keep Green Spaces in our communities not throw concrete down. “We are in full support of Friends of Paardevlei dam and will stand firm to protect this space”.
. For more details on the petition, visit https://www.change.org/paardevlei.
