Residents and nature lovers of Southbroom staged a protest at the main beach lagoon early this morning, voicing strong opposition to the erection of a floating water park in the estuary.

Armed with placards, protesters gathered as the pristine lagoon became a hive of activity, with the setup of the park beginning to unfold along the water’s edge.

READ MORE: Outrage over approval for floating water park at Southbroom lagoon

Environmental concerns raised

The demonstration highlighted growing concern over the potential environmental impact on one of Southbroom’s most cherished natural assets – the Imbezane River, which runs through the village and feeds into the lagoon.

The river is known for its rich birdlife and wildlife, including flamingos, oyster catchers and the rare palm-nut vulture, which was spotted basking on a rock along the river just last weekend.

Residents believe the development poses a serious threat to the sensitive lagoon ecosystem, which forms part of the estuary’s natural habitat.

Legal action under way

The protest comes as the Southbroom Property Owners’ Association (SPOA) has applied to the High Court in Durban for an urgent interdict to halt the development.

The legal action has been instituted against Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Sierra Global and the Minister of Water and Sanitation.

According to the SPOA, the decision to approach the court was approved by its board, acting within the powers granted under the association’s Memorandum of Incorporation.

Court hearing anticipated

SPOA chairperson Eric Annegarn said the association is hopeful that the matter will be heard on Friday, December 19.

“We believe our chances of success are excellent, but as with all legal processes, outcomes are not guaranteed,” said Annegarn.

Municipality confirms approval

RNM spokesperson Simon April confirmed last month that approval had been granted, stating that the municipality “grants approval for applications of this nature only after due consideration of all relevant restrictions, conditions and statutory requirements, strictly within the confines of its delegated authority”.

He added that the approval letter bears the signature of the municipality’s accounting officer, confirming that all required procedural and administrative processes had been complied with.