2009-03-09: We want your critical and constructive comments
IN Johannesburg we have some of the best weather in the world, but when it rains it tends to rain heavily. This puts a severe strain on our storm water system.
Storm water flows straight into our rivers and it is not treated it is therefore, important that no one allows anything but rain water to enter the system otherwise it can pollute our rivers or block the storm water system.
Rain water feeds not only our rivers but also our wetlands and we need to ensure they are not damaged when building takes place.
The intention of the draft bylaw is to:
Prevent erosion and degradation of our watercourses and wetlands.
Stop sediment blocking out ponds and watercourses
Prevent the degradation of water quality and fish habitat
Mitigate access run off from public roads which may pose a danger to life or property.
The Bylaw is quite technical, so therefore only a summary is given:
Permits are normally required for any site activity on a major development, this includes sites which require connection to a storm water drainage system; changes to a storm drainage feature; major grading activity; activity in a floodplain.
When a permit is required there is a need to prepare a storm water drainage plan. The focus of this plan includes any existing or potential impact of storm water, including increased sedimentation, stream bank erosion, discharges, flooding, discharge to a closed depression or discharge to an existing off-site storm water run off control facility, infiltration to groundwater, deterioration of storm water quality, or the spill or discharge of any pollutant.
The City has reviewed its present bylaws on storm water and need the assistance of residents and other interested parties to critically look at the draft bylaw so it can be improved before being passed by Council.
It is strongly recommended that all companies involved in the building industry, consultants and people who have an interest in our environment critically and constructively engage with this draft bylaw. However, the City welcomes comment from all interested parties.
Where can I obtain copies of the draft bylaw?
Please take this opportunity to read the draft bylaw and copies can be obtained from the following:
Amukelani Masia
Stakeholder Relationship Management
Ground Floor A Block
Metro Centre Building
158 Loveday Street
Braamfontein
Contact Numbers (011) 407 6700 or 073 2531538.
From the 1st March 2009 copies of the draft report can also be obtained from the web site www.joburg.org.za or by Emailing public1@joburg.org.za or public2@joburg.org.za. The final date for comment is 31st March 2009.
Who can I contact if I have any questions of the draft bylaws?
Written comments must be directed to Kebitsamang Mthunzi, 3rd floor B Block South Link, 158 Loveday Street, Braamfontein or by e-mail to KebitsamangM@joburg.org.za or fax to 011 403 1615. You can also call her on 011 407 6662 for further information.
What will now happen?
The draft bylaw will be gazetted, and there will be adverts in newspapers with the dates between which public comment will be received.
There will be follow up press releases to provide information on the public comment received.
A committee of Council will then review the critical and constructive comments and make recommendations for amendments. The draft bylaw will be revised by the Administration and both the final bylaw and all comments received will be presented to Council for a final decision to be made.
Issued by:
Keith Peacock
Director: Stakeholder Relationship Management
Office of the Speaker
