Rietvlei Dam Threat

[Frikkiedbr]

Rietvlei Dam Threat Tshwane Metro decision threatens Rietvlei Dam Nature Reserve  The Rietvlei Dam Nature Reserve, situated to the southeast of Pretoria, is of significant ecological importance, and one of only a few remaining grassland biomes on the South African Highveld. The reserve stretches over 3800 ha, and is a popular bird-watching destination in Gauteng and home to approximately 80 endemic bird species.
In 2011, the Pretoria East Branch contributed R500 000 for the erection of a game capture boma in the reserve that is used for the translocation of game to and from the reserve.
In May 2012, it became known that Tshwane Metro Council decided to make 100 ha of this reserve available to Supersport United for the development of a sport centre.
The Council made this decision without following prescribed legal procedures to obtain the necessary approval. There was no environmental impact assessment process and the Council did not even consult its own internal department for the environment. The Pretoria East Branch and other interested parties objected strongly in an attempt to declare the decision null and void. The matter is still pending.

This issue is being handled by Ward Councelor Siobham Muller, the DA woordvoerder for Environmental Management within City Planning. Her contact details are:  siobhanm@telkomsa.net  of  ward82pta@gmail.com
The DA has created an online petition for  Rietvlei  - PLEASE go to  this  link and sign up to  show your support for our Nature Reserve !!  http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/SAVE_R ... ERVE/ 
The environmental television programme 50/50 (SABC2 on Monday evenings at 19:30), will cover this issue in its programme this coming Monday, 10 September. Please watch. Greater awareness among the public can help to stop the Tshwane Metro it its tracks.

Information received from South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association, Inyathi Park, Friends of Rietvlei and Ward Councillor Vickey Bosch.

[Marc]

Stefan

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