The dunes are on our doorstep, but we don’t benefit in any way.
This is the sentiment expressed by residents after it was announced that construction is underway for the erection of a R18 million multi-purpose centre at the Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve.
The area commonly known to locals as the Atlantis Dunes is a popular recreational area for tourists, where various activities, including off-road driving, sandboarding and film productions take place.
According to Cllr Suzette Little, Mayco member: Area North, which includes Sub-Council 1, the project is one of the City’s top priority projects that has been communicated and presented to local communities since 2011.
But according to local businesses and the tourism centre, the construction of the multi-purpose centre is news to them.
Marthinus Fredericks of the West Coast Environmental Cooperative, which runs the tourism centre in Atlantis, says he was involved with the City to establish an economic growth plan for Atlantis during 2011, but was never involved in any form of public participation regarding the Atlantis Dunes.
Fredericks also says his office has a standing agreement with the City of Cape Town to boost tourism in the Atlantis area, which the City has never really adhered to.
One of the suggestions made to the City was to use the West Coast Environmental Co-operative’s offices as a point of sale for permits.
You need a permit to gain entry to the dunes at R175 per person.
Frank Syme, a local resident who does recreational driving in the dunes, says the dunes are not accessible to all.
“Years ago we started an initiative to take youngsters to the dunes, so they can also experience its beauty,” he said. “The dunes are on our doorstep, but locals does not benefit.
“Most people have never been there and many cannot afford to pay R175 for a permit.”
Ashley Poole of the Atlantis Business Chamber, says it is troublesome that proceeds from profits made from the dunes by film productions and recreational activities do not find their way back into the community.
“There are no direct spin-offs for the area from money being spent at the dunes,” he said. “Our guesthouses and retailers do not benefit in any way, whereas businesses from other areas such as Melkbosstrand and Duynefontein do.”
The Atlantis Business Chamber is also not aware of any public participation processes that took place on any dune development.
The almost R18 million tender was awarded to Atuba Contruction, a Durbanville-based company on 28 November last year. The company has been in contact with the business chamber and will include local labourers, wherever possible, in the construction.
According to Little, there are currently no environmental education facilities for Atlantis, Mamre or Pella communities, and this project “will act as a gateway to the dunes, thus unlocking social and economic opportunites for all.”
Little also said the new development will accommodate environmental education programmes, facilitate recreational activities and allow for on-site conservation management, including stand-by quarters and workshops.
