The maintenance of decaying infrastructure at small harbours in Western Cape remains a serious challenge, affecting the harbours’ potential to develop local economies and create the much-needed jobs.
This came to light during oversight visits over four days to six small harbours in the province by the Portfolio Committee on Public Works. The Committee visited harbours in Stilbaai, Arniston, Struisbaai, Gansbaai, Hermanus New Bay, Gordon’s Bay and Kalk Bay.
The visits focused mainly on four aspects: infrastructure maintenance, job creation, lease agreements and developing the local economy. The Committee discovered challenges in common at all the harbours visited, including the lack of security, and insufficient staff and office space.
Members of the Committee lamented the situation at Arniston harbour, where the office of the harbour master is also used as a store room, saying it posed a health risk to the official. Harbour masters are employed by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) to enforce harbour regulations and to ensure navigation and harbour safety, and the correct operation of harbour facilities.
Criminal activity was another common problem, and staff intimidation and illicit activity was reported to the Committee.
The Acting Chairperson of the Committee, Mr Freddie Adams, said that the Department of Public Works, as the custodian of harbours, must understand that maintenance of infrastructure is directly linked to the development of the local economy through private investment.
He also raised concerns about the low rentals charged by DAFF to private businesses operating inside harbour premises and pleaded with the Department of Public Works to prioritise the refurbishment of infrastructure.
“It is common cause that one needs to invest money in a business in order to make more profit. Well-maintained infrastructure will attract investors into the harbours and subsequently unlock the potential to the develop local economy,” said Mr Adams.
The Committee will deliberate on the visit and draft a report with recommendations on possible improvements at small harbours.
Justice Molafo
4 August 2017
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