Members of a Hout Bay Harbour steering committee say they have been left in the dark about the national government’s project to renovate the harbour.
The committee’s 18 members come from various parts of Hout Bay, including Hangberg and Imizamo Yethu, according to its vice chairperson Haneefa Opperman.
“We were all initially elected to form part of the Hout Bay Harbour steering committee at the multi-purpose centre in Hangberg, in October last year,” she said.
“We just feel it’s time for the national government to take us seriously now, and that’s why we are going to the press. You can’t be elected last year and still not hear any feedback as to when the renovation project will start here at Hout Bay Harbour.”
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure had held meetings with the community and the committee members in October and November last year, outlining plans for the harbour that involved the community, she said.
“When they elected us, they told us that there’s going to be so many plans and renovations for the harbour. Even before November last year, we had several meetings with the Department of Public Works, and we were told we need to be structured with elected people who can speak on behalf of the community. We want to know the way forward.
“There were people from Mandela Park, Hangberg and the Valley at the meetings.”
Ms Opperman said the committee members wanted to meet with newly appointed Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson to introduce themselves.
“We sent numerous emails to the department but still get no reply. I don’t even know if the new minister knows about the committee in Hangberg and Imizamo Yethu,” she said.
Committee secretary Kelly-Lee Opperman said she had sent many fruitless emails to the department.
“I kept hearing that we still haven’t sent all our certified documents, and when we do send them, there’s still no answers,” she said.
Committee member Jerome Allen said the renovation project was part of the government’s Operation Phakisa to unlock the economic potential of South Africa’s oceans.
Asked about the renovation plans for the harbour, ward councillor Roberto Quintas said: “The programme was being driven by former Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikilala. I have no idea what has transpired since the first two open engagement sessions, which I was invited to and attended.
“I will be meeting with the new minister some time soon and will ensure that the refurbishment and development of Hout Bay Harbour is put firmly back on the agenda in order to share a sustainable, inclusive, job-creating environment for our communities.”
Ms Opperman said the government needed to include the community in its plans for the harbour.
“They need to work with us. We know there are so many people in the community, especially the poor in Hangberg and IY waiting for these harbour developments.”
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure did not respond to questions by time of publication.