Invitation for Public Comment: Updated Draft Situation Assessment Report for the Onrus River Estuary
The Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape (DEA&DP), in terms of sections 8 and 10 of the National Estuarine Management Protocol published under Government Notice 533 in Government Gazette 44724 dated 18 June 2021 (the 2021 NEMP), read with section 53(1)(b) of the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act, 2008 (Act 24 of 2008) (the Act), invite members of the public to submit written comments on the Draft Situation Assessment Report for the Onrus River Estuary.
Project Background:
The DEA&DP, as the Responsible Management Authority, has appointed Coastal and Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd (CES) to run the process for the updating of the Estuarine Management Plan for the Onrus estuary. The updating of the Draft Situation Assessment Report for the Onrus River Estuary is the first step in this process. The updates to the Draft Situation Assessment Report for the Onrus River Estuary are required to address the significant changes in the estuary’s ecological functioning following the 2019 peatland fires and the September 2023 flood, which resulted in the system degrading to a Category E Present Ecological State.
Invitation to Register and Comment:
Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) are hereby invited to register interest, review the Draft Situation Assessment Report and submit written representations or comments.
Availability of Documents:
The Draft Situation Assessment Report is available for a 30-day commenting period, from 22 May 2026 to 21 June 2026. The document is available for viewing/download at the following URLs:
https://www.cesnet.co.za/public-documents
Submission of Comments:
Written comments must be submitted to CES on or before 21 June 2026.
- Contact Persons: Dr Ted Avis and Ms Kayla Schoenknecht
- Email: cesppp@cesnet.co.za
Comments received after the deadline will not be considered.
Enquiries may be directed to Ms Kayla Schoenknecht at 087 405 1455 on weekdays between 09:00 and 12:00.
Accessibility:
If you are aware of any person who is unable to participate in this process due to illiteracy, disability, or other challenges, please contact the consultant above for alternative assistance.
POPIA Disclaimer:
In terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), please note that by submitting your details and comments, you consent to your information being included in the public record of this process.
FULL NOTICE CAN BE VIEWED HERE