Subcouncil 14

Resolution detail

The Subcouncil Chairperson introduced this item and further allowed the official to give a detailed report. The Mic where the presenter of this item was seated was not working. Miss Neti assisted with moving him to a desk with a working Mic. The Subcouncil Chairperson highlighted that the challenge of Mics that are not working has to be resolved as the chamber is servicing two Subcouncils. However, he acknowledged some of the improvements taking place in Fezeka Administrative Building. Mr. Arendse indicated that the Biodiversity Management Report was from 1 July 2021 until 30 June 2022. His department has provided the following programmes: Helderberg Nature Reserve Environmental Education Centre Launch, MPP Vlei remediation programme, Re-run of the BioNet, Exceeding conservation target, Flora and fauna discoveries and Stats for 2022 Visitors EE Volunteers / Sponsored programmes Job Creation. He mentioned that Sanparks had the highest BioNet as compared to COCT, Eskom. They have conducted research around the populations of species. The new population of 15 significant species are found including Arctotis. They are looking at ways of bring back the decreasing species into the communities. Zeekoevlei is one of the Nature Reserve that was affected with sewerchallenges. In 2021 the number of people who visited the Nature Reserves was 340 265 it increased to 394 062 in 2022. He emphasized that they want to bring more community to educate them about different plants, water and wetlands. Mr. Arendse highlighted the importance of environmental education to children in schools. He mentioned that his passion is about helping the teacher to focus on educating the learner. He further requested the Subcouncil support in helping to bring more leaners to the Nature Reserves. The Subcouncil Chairperson indicated that the wetland in Fezeka Administrative Building requires attention. He requested the official to have a look at it and advise how it should be managed. Cllr Cassiem appreciated the feedback from the official. He mentioned that COCT is busy with Water Quality Improvement Programme. Cape Town is the most Biodiverse town in Africa. A new butterfly has been discovered in Strandfontein. They have dealt with the housing strategy to deal with pollution and invasion of Biodiverse areas. He also highlighted the importance of educational programmes and mentioned that there is a new infectious species called Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer. It eats trees. Stellenbosch University is conducting a study to find a solution to this problem. He added that community members should be informed not to cut trees because the specie can move 2 kilometers and eat more trees. Cllr Adams encouraged this information to be shared with the community, more especially youth. He explained that it would reduce challenges such as illegal dumping. He mentioned that most community members do not have money to travel to the Nature Reserves. He proposed for the department to bring their services closer to the communities and to make funding available for transportation. Ald Jacobs mentioned that some of the Primary Schools in Manenberg have a relationship with the Edith Stephens Wetlands. She further recommended for the children to be taken to the Nature Reserves. The Subcouncil Chairperson recommended for partnership with the local schools to bring the services to the children who are suffering. Mr. Cedras advised the Subcouncil to request an official from the Tree Authority to do a presentation to the Subcouncil and various schools around the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer specie. The Subcouncil Chairperson recommended the Subcouncil to prioritise planting of trees. The Subcouncil Manager indicated that Mr. Cedras requested for submission of tree requests. Mr. Cedras indicated that they have already received many requests fromother Subcouncils. He looked forward for further engagement with the Subcouncil regarding this matter. Mr. Arendse preferred the planting to take place in June instead of September. The Subcouncil Chairperson recommended for Principals of the Schools to be invited to secure a space for planting of trees. Cllr Cassiem moved for noting of the report seconded by alderman Jacobs. There was unanimous agreement with the resolution. . RESOLVED That the report on Biodiversity Management Report 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022 BE NOTED with the comments made by the Cllrs. Action: ANTHONY DANIELS