Local recreational anglers are up in arms over no longer being allowed access to fish at the dam at the Mountain Mill shopping centre.
According to a letter sent to Standard the anglers were instructed in late 2022 to remove themselves from the area.
It said: “We were instructed by security to remove ourselves from the area where we were fishing and were threatened that the police would be called should we fail to vacate the area. Subsequently a notice, without any authority displayed, was erected banning fishing and camping activities. It also stated the area is private property.”
The writer also questioned why others were still allowed to make use of the area surrounding the dam.
“Why would a certain group of ordinary human beings be allowed access to that area and others not? The area in question is being used by runners participating in the parkrun activities organised over weekends. Can someone with authority please explain the rationale and justification behind such a decision, of allowing one group access to the area to do what they obviously love, and not allowing a different group to do what they so passionately love?”
Then there was the issue of whether the dam is indeed private property.
“The notice stated the area is private property. Does that necessarily mean the Worcester Dam or at least part of the dam was also acquired by Leisure Retail Property Solutions in 2003 as part of their 74 hectare deal?
“If the answer is yes, then please clarify the process and procedure to be followed by ordinary human beings to acquire part of the Worcester Dam. If the answer is no, then please further explain, clarify and identify the owner of the property, and how and when it was acquired and for how much.”
The anglers would like all involved parties to reach an amicable solution to the issue at hand and is open to a meeting in future.
“Finding an amicable way of resolving this matter, by finding common ground in allowing anglers access to the area, will go a long way. We further request or suggest a meeting organised involving all parties cited, so we can find an amicable solution suitable to all.”
Responding to an enquiry Standard sent on the matter, the Breede Valley Municipality said the area in question is the property of the Mountain Mill Mall.
Furthermore, the newspaper sent multiple emails requesting comment on the situation, which only confirmed that the dam in question is indeed the property of the mall.
