Draft Coastal By-law rouses robust debate and participation

The City of Cape Town has welcomed the significant interest shown by residents regarding the proposed Coastal By-law, which is intended to better protect and manage the coastline.

Officials are busy collating all of the comments received during the public participation process, and will consider them when making improvements and amendments to the draft version of the Coastal By-law.

Last month, the City published the draft by-law for public comment. Invitations were distributed to businesses along the coastline to participate, as were pamphlets to encourage residents in these areas to submit comment. There have been nine information sessions across Cape Town in which City officials answered attendees’ questions.

Residents have also been encouraged to submit their comments online, at City libraries or by hand.

The closing date for comments was September 2. Officials confirmed that the total number of submissions received stands at approximately 700.

“I was pleasantly surprised by the significant interest in the by-law, and I want to thank everybody who took the time to participate,” said the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt.

“We went to great lengths to inform the public about the by-law and residents heeded the call. Approximately 150 people attended the information sessions.

“I have participated in numerous radio interviews and fielded many questions from the media on the proposed clause about indecent language on beaches. This clause has elicited conflicting comments, with some residents asking for it to be removed, while others expressed support for the need to create an environment that’s respectful, in particular on beaches where families and children spend a lot of time.

“We will consider all of these comments and see how we can improve on the draft version of the by-law,” said Nieuwoudt.

Similarly, a number of submissions were received with regard to pollution, the maintenance of infrastructure along the coastline, and climate change and its effect on the coastal environment.

“I’ve attended the public information sessions and attendees mostly supported the by-law as an important mechanism to preserve and protect our coastline, and to ensure that the beaches remain a safe and accessible environment for all,” said Nieuwoudt.

“Comments also focused on the promotion of access to the beaches as public spaces; the City’s capacity to enforce the by-law, once approved; and public safety.”

Broadly speaking, the by-law will be a legislative tool to ensure the sustainable use and development of the coastal area; promote the protection of the natural environment in the coastal zone; enable better regulation, protection and governance of the coastline as a sensitive and economically valuable asset; ensure the safe and enjoyable use of beaches; and ensure that measures are taken to rehabilitate or correct actions that have a damaging effect on the coastal environment.

Officials from the City’s Coastal Management Branch will obtain legal advice to ensure that the final version of the proposed by-law complies with the Constitution and the City’s mandate. The public submissions will be considered and some clauses may be amended or even deleted.

The proposed draft by-law, if approved by Council, will only come into effect when it is published in the Provincial Gazette.