Proposed CT Harbour By-Law & What It Means
Cape Town Harbour
As one of the most trusted marine suppliers and chandlery services in South Africa, Link Ship Chandlers always keeps a close eye on local legislation that pertains to our industry and affects our harbours. A newly proposed Cape Town by-law has the potential to vastly improve the condition of these important spaces, so we took it upon ourselves to learn more about the pending shift in existing legislation.
We proudly support local government’s efforts to maintain our harbours in accordance with the Government Immovable Asset Management Act, and were heartened to learn that the dynamic City of Cape Town had released a draft Harbour By-law for public comment. The proposed by-law seeks to remedy what the city has termed ‘long-running, systemic mismanagement of the city’s harbours’. If the by-law is passed it would impact on the way that the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and Public Works (DPW) manage and maintain our harbours.
There are currently five harbours that fall under the City of Cape Town’s jurisdiction – Hout Bay, Kalk Bay, Murrays’ Bay, Granger Bay and Gordon’s Bay Harbours. According to a recent press release, the City has been trying to establish a cooperative basis to facilitate the proper administration of these national assets for several years. In the process of negotiating a memorandum of understanding with these departments, the DAFF refused to cooperate, while the DPW participated in initial engagements, but then withdrew without explanation.
The City’s main concern is that harbour upkeep has been severely neglected. The press release reads: “Our harbours cannot continue to be neglected and mismanaged, falling ever further into disrepair. Their dilapidated and dysfunctional state has a serious impact on those who use them, in particular the workers and communities who depend on the harbours for their livelihood. Lack of professional management and maintenance has resulted in the serious degradation of these public assets, an increase in crime and a failure to develop their economic potential.”
The new by-law would give the City the right to take over the administration of the harbours, which will encompass all regulations and municipal matters as it pertains to harbour precincts. This will also include setting new standards for repair and maintenance of the harbours that will have to be implemented by the Department of Public Works. The draft Harbour By-law has been released for public comment, so whether it will be made to law remains to be seen.
Keep an eye on the blog in coming weeks and months as we share more information regarding South African harbours and other interesting chandlery topics. We look forward to keeping you informed!
Leave a Reply