Residents challenge Fisherhaven Academy construction amid environmental worries

Residents in Fisherhaven have called for full disclosure of the rapid construction and development of the new Academy school, raising concerns over the environment and its impact on wildlife and have threatened legal action.

In response, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) argued that the development had received significant approval from businesses, the local Homeowners Association, and the municipality.

Residents cited that the Overstrand Municipality approved the land transfer known as ERF 279 for R100 without meaningful participation, environmental planning or adequate infrastructure provision, and that it has severely impacted their tranquil coastal village known for its natural environment, indigenous wildlife, and free-roaming wild horses.

The Overstrand Municipality outlined that due to state-to-state transfer, a public participation process was not required, but an advertisement was placed at the time.

Sarah de Waal, a Fisherhaven resident, penned a letter to Education MEC David Maynier and the municipality and others on behalf of the community, raising the concerns.

“Fisherhaven sits on a sensitive natural environment next to the Bot River Estuary and its wetland system, renowned for birdlife and wild horses that freely roam our village — critical features that define our community and support regional biodiversity,” de Waal stated.

“This unique ecosystem deserves proper environmental assessment, species protection measures, and conservation planning that to date have been ignored or dismissed.

"Furthermore, the design and execution of the new school reflect minimal landscaping, little buffer from the residential area, no sufficient trees or natural integration measures, and no clear environmental mitigation strategy.”

De Waal added that the construction had contributed to the disturbance to wildlife. She also argued that Fisherhaven’s roads, which are predominantly dirt and narrow tar, were never designed for heavy trucks or regular bus traffic and would require long-term maintenance and a municipal budget.

De Waal also questioned the allocation of children attending the school and said its design resembled a prison, which could impact property value.

She said they called for an immediate plan which included: a transparent public inquiry into the land transfer, approvals, and public participation and the independent environmental and biodiversity impact assessments, with public disclosure and mitigation for sensitive habitats, provincially funded infrastructure upgrades (roads, traffic, bus parking, sanitation) and Fisherhaven's municipal budget.

"We expect a written response within 21 days of this letter. If no meaningful action or response is forthcoming, we will pursue all available legal and public interest avenues.." De Waal stated.

The WCED said in its response: “The school opened at the beginning of 2024, to an overwhelmingly positive response from the community – with community businesses, the local Homeowners Association, the municipality, and the department all contributing to the beautiful new school.

"It stands as a proof point for our Rapid School Build programme, which is expanding access to education and giving hope of a brighter future to learners across the Western Cape. So it is unusual to receive such a complaint from a resident two years after the school opened, and we will respond directly to the resident in due course.”

Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dr Dean O’Neill, answered that municipal officials held a meeting last Thursday, to discuss the Fisherhaven School matter and prepare a report for feedback to the Executive Mayor. “Once finalised, we will provide feedback to the community. This year’s Ward Committee meetings will be held in February.”

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