STAKEHOLDERS in the proposed Knysna River Reserve Development - which includes the establishment of a number of bed & breakfast (B&Bs) establishments along the west bank of the Knysna River - are confident that they will emerge the victors when the South Cape District Council (SCDC) announces its decision on a project on the eastern bank following residents' objections.
The SCDC has announced that it will make known its decision on June 14, after it has reviewed the objections of nine residents and a 150-page document compiled by Knysna River Reserve's ecologist Jan Vlok, in conjunction with environmental consultant, Di Grant of Grant Johnston Environmentalists.
Knysna River Reserve's marketing manager, Greg Metzer, says he is confident the authorities will decide in favour of the 185-hectare development because "it has the support of the Knysna Municipality, South African National Parks (SANP), Department of Nature Conservation in the Eastern Cape, and the National Botanical Society".
The development will house 77 residential units and 18 small chalet-type units which will be used for B&Bs and, from the outset, be under the control of the Department of Nature Conservation.
Metzer says, "The 20 hectares of indigenous fynbos (indigenous shrub) on the slopes and summit of the Rheenendal Hills will be left intact and be incorporated into the 185-hectare development as it contains certain species of flowers considered very rare and in need of conservation."
(Adele Mackenzie)
