Below flood-line but structures mushroom

The arguably ‘temporary’ structures of a caravan park have apparently been allowed to mushroom unchecked around the Vaal Dam.
Residents accuse the Metsimaholo Local Municipality of allowing allegedly illegal structures that have no formal approval to proliferate in the high water mark with ‘absolutely no consequences for the perpetrators.’
These are the words used by resident Linda Fletcher, who represents many complainants. Resistance to the mushrooming structures has become organised since February.
The allegedly illegal structures are part of the caravan resort and encompass a portion of Pier Avenue.
Repeated calls that Metsimaholo remove the structures have been made, to no avail. An argument against removal is that most if not all these structures – and their carports – are wheeled or portable and/or can in either event be moved inland in the event of flooding
Another argument is that residents fear mainly that their long-time access to the banks of the Vaal Dam is in danger.
This comes from Mr Philip Malan, the new owner of the resort. The previous owner Mr Geoffrey Wolf is overseas.
Representatives of Metsimaholo, the Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation (DWAS) and Malan will meet on site on October 6.
Ms Fletcher expressed concern that residents had not been invited to this meeting and that no time seems to have been set.
“The non-invitation of residents might be because its purpose is more about the legal requirements faced by Malan.”
Malan says his resort flouts no safety regulations because the structures themselves are not permanent and can be moved away from the dam. The so-called mushrooming has been going on for 10 years. Queries e-mailed to Metsimaholo by Fletcher include electrical compliance certificates, the adequate capacity of sewerage facilities, whether there were business rights and fire prevention facilities.
Metsimaholo spokesperson Dr Gino Alberts said, “We are aware of the matter as a council and we are doing everything in our power to resolve the matter so as to ensure that legislation and laws are adhered to in our municipal area. We will not allow illegal activities and humbly request residents to refrain from wrongdoings as the necessary steps will be taken against all those who commit these illegal activities.”