Gekco extends an olive branch
KYALAMI - AN integrated plan meeting was held at the Cherry Country Lodge in Kyalami on 12 November. The meeting was facilitated by Andrew Barker, a town planner and member of the The Greater Kyalami Conservancy.
All community members in and around the Kyalami area were invited to attend. The conservancy seeks to protect the biodiversity and eco-life found in Kyalami, Sun Valley, Barbeque Downs, Blue Hills and parts of Diepsloot stated Kristen Kallesen, chairperson of the conservancy. The aim of the meeting was to map out the current pressures on the area, identifying stakeholders and welcoming participants to various teams.
“We will be taking the community planning further with a basic draft plan indicating what the future plan of the area could look like and we request community input,” she said.
The meeting essentially re-capped a scoping session which was held three weeks ago, [https://fourwaysreview.co.za/183764/kyalami-residents-oppose-development-2/] where it was discussed that a core participant team will be developed.
This team or “think-tank” as Barker called it, will comprise of members of the public, including developers, residents, residents’ associations and members of the municipality.
The task team will refer to the core participant team. The core participant team will take up the issues raised through the task team, and a process of consulting with professionals will begin. The conservancy’s committee asks anyone living in the conservancy to come forth to be a part of the task team.
Barker mapped out the boundary areas of the conservancy which will be focused on, which include Sun Valley, the outskirts of Diepsloot and Blue Hills. He said it was essential to pin-point these areas as it gives the teams a sense of direction.
Additionally, all residents’ associations, sport and recreational clubs, religious houses, schools, community policing forums and ward councillors were called to the forefront in order to build a data base. This data base will allow the community to be connected and issues and developments in the area will be disseminated fast and effectively noted Barker.
The conservancy aims to bring the community together through their forum by informing residents about developments and eco issues.
