MEC Bredell reiterates the importance of using coastal risk information in development planning after weekend of coastline battering.
Anton Bredell, Western Cape MEC of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning said this past weekend’s coastline battering and damage to property underscores the importance of risk assessment work done by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning through its Coastal Management Programme.
“The best response strategy to plan to avoid the damage of future similar events is by identifying the areas at risk and making provision for adequate development setbacks from our coastline and estuaries. In this regard, the recently adopted Provincial Coastal Management Programme 2022 to 2027 is an invaluable tool allowing for integrating coastal management in the Western Cape. The Programme focuses on enabling a resilient and sustainable coast, specifically in the development of coastal management lines. We will be working with our coastal municipalities and other partners to undertake detailed audits of infrastructure, services, and human settlements located in high-risk areas along the coast. This will help us craft coherent adaptation responses to identified hotspots along the coastline,” MEC Bredell said.
“The Programme enables cooperative governance and stakeholder partnerships, as it plays a key role in bringing together the efforts of various spheres and sectors. This includes government, the private sector, and communities, which will ensure that we have an accessible and well-managed coast for all inhabitants of, and visitors to, the Western Cape,” MEC Bredell said.
Contact:
Wouter Kriel - Spokesperson for MEC Anton Bredell
Western Cape MEC of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
Cell: 079 694 3085
