Cutting of reeds is legal

Growing up in Rynfield, Dawie Maartens spent his days on the banks of the Sandpan, playing ‘kleilat’ and marvelling at the diverse birdlife that foraged in shallow waters.

As an adult he traded his home-made fishing rod for building plans, subsequently becoming a well-known developer across the East Rand and beyond.

Maartens has recently become the subject of critique as he broke ground on his dream development, African Monarch Private Nature Conservancy Estate, in Vlei Road.

Residents of Boatlake Village and Country View raised concerns about the legality of the development, claiming contractors were seen using motorised brush cutters to cut down reeds at the water’s edge.

“Cutting started at the beginning of September, which is the height of breeding season for ducks and geese that nest in the thick of the reeds,” said a resident, who wished to remain anonymous.

“Birds took flight in what appeared to be sheer panic. How can this be legal?”

Responding to an enquiry by the Benoni City Times, Maartens and the development’s contracted environmental control officer and Benoni resident, Shanthi Chetty, owner of Shakti Environmental Services, invited us to the construction site to shed some light on the activities that have ruffled the feathers of concerned residents.

With 17 years of experience in the industry, Chetty explained that Maartens acquired the property in 2003 and applications for the development were approved by the Gauteng Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Submission of the completed environmental impact study, in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) was completed.

“In February 2013, a further amendment confirming the validity of the previous approval for the development was granted,” she said.

“A full scoping or environmental impact report (EIR) process was conducted, which included a public participation process, environmental management plan (EMP) and butterfly survey.

“Further to that a herpetological survey focusing on the faunal aspect (reptiles and amphibians), a flora and vertebrate species assessment as well as a wetland assessment was done.”

Chetty further stated that should the developer or its contractors were to contravene any of the procedures contained in the EMP, Maartens could slapped with a R5-million fine or face 10 years imprisonment.

Audits are conducted on a routine basis and Chetty is mandated to be on site daily to ensure that all protocols are strictly adhered to.

Referring to the cutting of the reeds, Maartens explained that the EMP, which was independently drafted, mandates the developer of a nature conservancy to remove invasive plant life, thus ensuring the integrity of the water quality of the Sandpan and, in turn, promoting its natural biodiversity.

“A South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNAP) accredited scientist identified invasive as well as indigenous plants, the former of which have been removed,” said Maartens.

“We were advised to remove dead and dry reeds from the water’s edge as a preventative measure to maintain the health of the water. The vegetation was diligently checked by Chetty to ensure that no nests were present and it was removed manually by labourers.

“With the correct checks and balances in place, to the best of our knowledge breeding birds were not disturbed.”

He concluded that it has always been his dream to develop an estate that will aid in conserving the pan and is, therefore, following stringent guidelines to preserve the natural beauty.

Any concerns of questions may be directed to Shanthi Chetty at [email protected].

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