The majority shareholder behind plans to relocate the Grahamstown golf course to Belmont Valley says the move will have positive effects for the city.
The majority shareholder behind plans to relocate the Grahamstown golf course to Belmont Valley says the move will have positive effects for the city.
David Davies, from BEE company Izenzo, the majority shareholder of the Belmont Development Company, says the establishment of a new middle-income residential will require the upgrading of the sewer network.
The cost of this, says Davies, is estimated at around R66 million. He adds that the bill will be footed by the developers and will serve Grahamstown's needs for the next 20 years.
At a Coastal and Environmental Services meeting this week, environmental consultant Lara Crous said that the development would include a small shopping centre and would create about 750 permanent jobs in Grahamstown.
Work on the housing development will begin only once the new golf course has been constructed in Belmont Valley, said Davies.
Environmental impact
According to Crouse, developers have committed to ensuring the least possible damage to eco-systems, archaeological features and historic structures, with an environmental control officer on site.
Black wattle, an invasive alien plant, will be removed from the area where the golf course will be developed. Bermuda grass, an indigenous species which requires less water, will be used as groundcover.
Davies believes that alien invaders removed from the area, there will be more than enough water to fulfil the water requirements of the golf course.
Each building in the new development would collect rainwater for consumption, decreasing the stress on municipal services.
Crouse said a much-needed upgrade to the sewerage system would see the installation of more environmentally friendly processors at the Belmont Valley waste-water treatment works. New oxidation ponds would have a positive impact on the environment, Crous said.
Construction
The construction of the development will begin after the Department of Environmental Affairs approves the plans.
Should approval be granted, Davies estimates the development will be complete in 10 years.
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