The Mercury 17 august 2007

Don't let greed pillage Vetch's
August 17, 2007 Edition 1
Having recently listened through a lengthy debate at the Point Yacht Club (PYC), I came to the conclusion that there is a need to refocus on the Y in PYC.
For the first hour, the debate remained focused on the aspect of property development and the offer of a "not to be missed" opportunity to acquire rights to build a clubhouse on the currently occupied launching site at Vetch's.
Surely this is just a major distracter to the real issue unfolding?
The short coastline area between uShaka Marine Park and the harbour mouth is a geographically unique national treasure, offering unparalleled and safe access for everyone to enjoy a wide variety of water activities.
These sometimes conflicting activities currently co-exist in relative order and harmony.
But, if overseas property developers, in financial collaboration with local developers and city management, have their way, this "national treasure" will be pillaged to construct a Small Craft Harbour (SCH) facility which will be directly exposed to the elements of coastal weather patterns.
This glamour concept of an SCH will only serve the interests of the developers who have invested heavily in the construction of apartment blocks catering for the super- rich. The SCH then becomes part of a marketing drive aimed at these global jet-setters.
What is not logical is that this destruction of our national treasure is being done to further the aims of the developers and not in the interests of the simple folk who wish to see the existing beach access as the prime concern for protecting the status quo.
The fact that there is discussion about the cost versus benefit of building a clubhouse at a preferential land sale price to the PYC is not the issue.
The real issue is: Do we want developers destroying the water access facilities at Vetch's?
It also begs the question: Who is clamouring for an SCH in the first place? Both the PYC and the Royal already have safe and effective berthing facilities inside the main harbour itself.
With the widening of the harbour entrance, ease of entry and exit through the harbour should also be enhanced. I urge like-minded Durbanites to oppose any attempt to "meddle" with the stretch of beach.
David Aikins
Durban