Environmental Concerns Over Dwarsriver Rehabilitation Works

GOOD Statement by Grechard Petersen, GOOD Stellenbosch Municipality Councillor:

The GOOD Party has formally raised concerns about recent river maintenance works conducted by the Stellenbosch Municipality in the Dwarsriver, Pniel. The works, which involved an excavator extracting stones and sand from the riverbed to construct a buffer wall, were reportedly aimed at stabilising collapsed riverbank walls and preventing further erosion during winter rains.

While the intention to protect infrastructure is acknowledged, the methods employed raise serious environmental and engineering concerns. Questions remain about the long-term stability of the intervention and whether it will withstand seasonal water flow. The removal of natural materials from the riverbed and the absence of engineered solutions such as gabions may undermine the effectiveness and sustainability of the project.

GOOD has submitted official inquiries to the Municipal Manager, Geraldine Mettler; MMC for Infrastructure, Reginald Pheiffer; and MMC for Rural Management and Environment, Charles Manuel. We are seeking clarity on whether the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEADP) and the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) were consulted, and whether the necessary environmental authorisations and water use licenses were obtained.

The GOOD Party is particularly concerned about the ecological impact of the works. Disruption to the riverbed may have harmed aquatic biodiversity, reduced water quality, and compromised the overall health of the river ecosystem.

We therefore call on the Stellenbosch Municipality to urgently:

• Provide all relevant environmental authorisations and approvals;
• Make available any Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) conducted;
• Clarify the engineering methodology used and confirm whether alternative erosion-control measures were considered;
• Engage transparently with affected communities to address concerns and inform future interventions.

The Dwarsriver’s banks are vital to community safety, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure protection. Councillor Petersen insists that proper engineering methods and environmental safeguards must be applied to ensure the long-term integrity of the river system.

The GOOD Party calls for transparency, accountability, and urgent remedial action from the Stellenbosch Municipality.

GOOD Public Accountability: GOOD calls for accountability from elected officials and public servants.

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