HBC wants solution driven process for Overstrand issues
The Hermanus Business Chamber (HBC) takes note of the happenings with regard to land and the provision of housing opportunities in the Overstrand.
It is with regret that we learn of renewed threats of mass actions, the closing of the R43 and the destabilisation of the Hermanus economy should the demands from Overstrand Unite not be met. In addition, we are also concerned by processes to apply for a High Court order for a Mandamus Order against the Municipality and the SAPS, together with a rates boycott by some businesses and homeowners.
The Chamber wishes to stipulate that it does not regard any of the mentioned actions as being a remedy for resolving the issues facing us and neither will it have the desired positive economic and social impact our town desperately needs.
The Chamber is of the opinion that the only way to resolve the issues to the benefit of all communities is by negotiations between all the relevant stakeholders in our area. While the HBC is a non-political organisation with a clear focus and mandate to safeguard and promote the interest of our members and business in general, we feel that the business community must be included in all decision-making processes going forward as a non-partisan participant in charting the way forward for our region.
We believe that multi-lateral negotiations together with innovative solutions will be the only way in which the different factions will reach common ground.
All businesses have already suffered tremendous losses and the very core of our economy is at risk and we call on the local, provincial and national government to become involved in proactively assisting all the various stakeholders in finding permanent solutions. We call on business owners and residents to react with thought and foresight to ensure that our region stays economically viable.
To this end, the Chamber insists that the maintenance of law and order be a top priority and that the closure of any roads in the region is prevented at all times.
The lack of clear communication by all spheres of government needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency, especially at the local level. The HBC believes that this contributes to the current tensions and allows for conflicting and disparate messages to cloud public opinion and drive negative perceptions both amongst residents, potential investors and visitors. The appointment of communication specialists should be treated as a priority in order to keep all communities fully up to date with all the latest developments.
In addition, the Chamber is of the opinion that both the Overstrand Municipality and the Provincial Government must make funds available for the continuous promotion of our region before, during and after the summer season.
The HBC requests that the following need to be answered as a matter of urgency:
- What steps will be taken to encourage Public-Private Partnerships to assist in alleviating the current housing shortage for all communities?
- What steps will be taken to ensure that further economic instability will not take place?
- What is being done to ensure that the brand of the Overstrand and its towns does not suffer further damage?
- There is a clear need for mixed development zones. What will be the steps taken to create these zones?
- What steps will be taken to drive sustained economic growth, with a special emphasis on local economic development?
- What will be done to improve public safety and prevent the disruption of the economy?
- What will be done to ensure that law enforcement is actively working to reduce the increase in crime across all communities?
- What will be done to enforce bylaws equally among all residents?
- Why were backyard structures not demolished after new structures had been erected?
- What land has been made available for housing, including emergency housing?
Issued by: Gideon Serfontein
Spokesperson: Hermanus Business Chamber:
Enquiries: info@hermanuschamber.co.za
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Additional notification:
From *PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE OF MASIZOLE MNQASELA MPP*:
URGENT NOTICE
All business owners and councillors are invited to a Business Engagement Forum. This is part of an ongoing sector-focused drive to ensure a peaceful, and growing town that prospers and contributes meaningfully to job creation and wellness of all families in Overstrand.
Date: 12 November 2018, Time: 17:00, Venue: Municipal Auditorium, Hermanus
AGENDA
Our discussion will include the following, among others:
1. Plans to guarantee a peaceful and safe town for all businesses that operate in and around Hermanus.
2. Plans to grow the economy and create sustainable jobs for hardworking, and honest jobless people of our town.
3. Feedback on interaction with the Overstrand Municipality, and the Western Cape Government on the medium to long-term intervention for growth and sustainability.
Let us restore the glory of our beautiful town.
We are much stronger and better together.
Qina Mhlali Qina!
Best, Masi.