Landslips: public safety paramount

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - At the monthly council meeting on Thursday, 28 March, councillors noted the following from progress reports on two problem landslide areas in the greater Mossel Bay.

Seemeeuvlug
Consultants Kantey and Templar submitted a geotechnical report for Seemeeuvlug, Tuscan Village and Rylaan 2 areas in Hartenbos. According to the report negligible to minor ground movement has been recorded and the ground had established some form of equilibrium.

There is, however, a distinct corridor of movement along the southern side of Tuscan Village and Seemeeupark (Rylaan 2). It was recommended that further surveys be conducted of the area. Council also noted the legal opinion obtained regarding the demolition of unsafe units. According to the opinion, the municipality is entitled and probably obliged to act in terms of applicable legislation to have the unsafe units demolished. For safety concerns, the municipal director of planning and integrated services is to do a cost estimate for the demolition of the affected housing units at Seemeeuvlug and the rehabilitation of the area at the foot of the slip and submit a report in this regard. Council also took cognisance that summons has been issued by JF van Niekerk and 89 others against the premier of the Western Cape, the Mossel Bay Municipality and the NHBRC in the High Court, claiming alleged damages totalling R184m due to the landslip at Seemeeuvlug and Tuscan Village. A notice of intention to defend the action has been filed on behalf of the municipality.

Botha Street, Great Brak
Council noted the geotechnical report by Outeniqua Geotechnical Services for the Botha Street Area in Great Brak River.

The report states that the movement has reduced significantly.

Further gradual movement is likely to continue into the future and may result in more unsafe structures or potentially hazardous conditions for residents.

The recommendation is that further surveys of the area be conducted and the structural condition of all occupied structures in the affected area are regularly assessed.

A feedback meeting will be scheduled with the residents affected by the landslip to give feedback on the latest geotechnical report.

Obligation
Council also noted the legal opinion obtained regarding the municipality's further obligation regarding the landslip areas.

According to the opinion, there is a statutory duty on the municipality to ensure the safety of the public, more so in this instance where the local government is aware of the further slight movements as stated in the geotechnical reports.

A home, affected by the ground movement, that is now demolished.Photo: Nickey le Roux