In mid-August we found out that a mountain bike assault race was being planned for 12 October 2014 and that a section of the race would be take place through Melville Koppies West. We were concerned that already the event organisers had started preparing the course for up to 5,000 bikers on the Koppies and some ecologically sensitive areas were being encroached on to prepare tracks for the race. All this without consultation! Immediate action was taken by the Melvlle Koppies Management Committee and we sincerely thank Wendy Carstens for keeping the WRA and other key stakeholders informed. Numerous objections were made, including from the WRA, about the irreparable damage that would be caused to the unique biodiversity of the Koppies. The Critical Biodiversity Areas on the West Koppies are irreplaceable and some of the unique plant species composition can be found nowhere else in South Africa or the world. It all seemed like madness for a while but after numerous communications, a meeting was finally held on 9 September with the event organisers, Joburg City Parks and Zoo officials, and environmental impact consultants. The WRA was present at the meeting and plenty of opportunity was given for all points of view to be heard and discussed. By working together a compromise was reached and the route will now use only about 50m of the West Koppies from the entrance opposite Judith Road to the southern border of the cemetery. Thus the integrity of the environment and conservation spaces at the West Koppies will not be compromised. We would like to thank all the civil society stakeholders (see list below) who were present at the meeting for their advocacy support which contributed greatly to reaching an effective solution. We wish the event organisers and any of our Westdene residents who are planning to take part in the race a very successful and enjoyable event.
Posted on: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 09:24:38 +0000
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