The Bushman’s Preservation Trust has issued the following:
“The Department of Oceans and Coast has declined to issue the permissible use authorisation and instead has reported back to theDepartment of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs & Tourism of the Eastern Cape (DEDEAT) that they require a basic assessment done on the prevailing situation and a management plan before they will issue the permit which would authorise vehicles to have access to the sand for the purpose of removing it.
Our Environmental Consultant has engaged with Mr Pienaar of DEDEAT on this requirement and his view is that there is no alternative but to proceed with a Basic Assessment Report. Mr Pienaar issued his formal notice setting out the requirements for removal of the sand. It will definitely require a Basic Assessment Report and a Management Plan. Unfortunately this process will take months and there is in reality no prospect of the sand being removed by December.”