The second Hermanus Country Market Steering Committee meeting between representatives of the Overstrand Municipality, Hermanus Sports Club and the Hermanus Country Market regarding issues that hinder trade for the Market took place on 22 February.
According to Clinton Lerm, Overstrand Mayco member: investment and infrastructure, this meeting follows the first technical meeting held on 8 February.
It kicked-off negotiations to try and find a way for the continued operation of the Hermanus Country Market as per Mayor of Overstrand Annelie Rabie’s commitment at the public meeting of 6 February.
“Several matters were discussed, the main focus being the progress the Hermanus Country Market has made in the required submission of the application to sublease via the Hermanus Sports Club.”
The other matters discussed were the trading of the market on the current location pending the submission and outcome of the application and the requirement set by the municipality.
“It was again requested by the municipality that the latter be provided with indemnities by the traders due to the non-compliance of the structures,” Lerm said.
“The representatives of the Hermanus Country Market are committed to provide the necessary by next week in order for the municipality to consider whether consent will be given to trade during the month of March.”
He said no clear timeline was given for the submission of the application to sublease or the removal of the structures.
These are currently illegally on municipal property outside the lease area of the Hermanus Sports Club.
The Hermanus Country Market reportedly submitted an engineer’s certificate for the tent, and the municipality is currently discussing this certificate with the relevant entity that issued them.
A further meeting will be held shortly after 8 March to monitor the progress. The next public meeting is scheduled for 3 May.
