Cllr Peter de Villiers’ impassioned plea recently (Paarl Post, 3 March) for the municipality to acknowledge its duty to provide for all the people of Drakenstein is key. He rightly recognises the disparities of societal realities.
However, his reference to “climate change” is not only regarding the weather but of a political nature too.
The points he raises are valid, but he missed the chance to address them in the forum where they should be tackled. That being in Council.
The motion by the Freedom Front Plus recently during a council meeting to address the issues surrounding the Berg River was precisely to raise and discuss the issues that he highlights. This with the view to giving political direction and outcome to an issue that is contentious and of finding a solution that is acceptable.
Sadly, his GOOD Party, and all others but for the FFPlus, voted against the motion. There is still no clarity as to the way forward for this fiasco, other than some measures implemented on an official level, but without any council intervention or decision.
As it is currently understood swimming is not allowed. So either the municipality must change bylaws to allow such activity and supply the necessary infrastructure for this or create other facilities that can be used to the benefit of all, but specifically those who do not have amenities at their disposal as indicated.
