The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) has noted with concern the Hessequa Municipality’s plan to sell Jurisch Park near Riversdale.
The party calls on the Municipality not to take any final decision on the proposed sale and commercial development of a portion of Jurisch Park until all relevant independent environmental impact studies have been completed and the public participation process has been finalised.
Although economic development is crucial, it should not be undertaken at the expense of a valuable public asset or before weighing up all the long-term consequences.
Jurisch Park is one of Riversdale’s most prominent public green spaces. It serves as a recreational area, picnic spot and heritage site boasting a Voortrekker monument.
The proposed sale should, therefore, be handled circumspectly, as the consequences could be far-reaching and permanent.
The proposed development could pose serious risks to Riversdale and its community. It could increase stormwater and flooding hazards, result in the permanent loss of a valuable public green space, and have a negative impact on the town’s tourism and heritage value.
This will not only harm the natural environment, but also undermine the unique character and appeal of the town.
In addition, the development could be detrimental to existing businesses in the town’s CBD and even necessitate the relocation of the Riversdale Bowling Club. This Club fulfils an important social role and contributes to community cohesion.
Its loss or relocation would have a tangible negative impact on the social fabric of the town.
When public land is alienated, transparency, competition and ensuring it is in taxpayers’ best interests are non-negotiable. The process should be fair, transparent and fully disclosed to the public.
The Freedom Front Plus believes that there are viable alternatives, which will promote economic development without the Municipality having to relinquish ownership of the park. These include public-private partnerships, long-term leases, tourism and recreational development as well as ensuring better management, maintenance and security of the park.
The party, therefore, calls on the Hessequa municipal council to ensure that independent hydrological, stormwater, traffic, economic, environmental and heritage studies are first completed before it takes a decision on selling the land.
The fate of Jurisch Park should be determined by long-term public interest – not just short-term economic considerations.
