Environmental Plan

DA councillor Ben Rheeder has filed a notice of motion to highlight the fact that the Kouga municipality does not have an environmental and coastal management committee.

The environmental and coastal management committee is prescribed in the National Environmental Management Integrated Coastal Management Act No 31884, Section 42(1) dated 11 February 2008.

Rheeder said because of the absence of the committee the municipality did not have a body to advise council and the municipal manager regarding environmental and coastal matters.

"Council should resolve to elect an environmental and coastal management committee, with sub-committees for the Kromme and Gamtoos Rivers. These committees should meet quarterly to discuss relevant matters and make recommendations to council,” he said.

ANC councillor Patrick Kota said they first needed to develop a coastal development plan, because Rheeder’s issue formed part of that plan.

Kota’s proposal was seconded by councillor Vernon Stuurman.

Speaker Magdelene Dlomo ruled that the setting up of the plan be fast-tracked.