A Provincial Spatial Development Framework in the Making

The Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning will engage communities throughout the Western Cape next week on the Provincial Spatial Development Framework (PSDF).

Provincial Minister of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Tasneem Essop has urged communities and all stakeholders to actively participate in the meetings.

"We will value everyone's input. We would like to achieve sustainable development in the Province through the Provincial Spatial Development Framework. This is everyone's opportunity to make an input into the framework," Minister Essop said.

Besides addressing Apartheid spatial planning in the Western Cape, the PSDF will provide a detailed map indicating areas of economic growth and more importantly areas of potential growth.

Implementing the plan will have a huge impact on areas where little economic activity takes place.

In striving to create a home for all, the PSDF will also indicate the best locations for sustainable human settlements.

For the first time the Provincial Government will be able to pin-point areas of decline that need special intervention for the sustainable survival of these areas.

The PSDF will have an impact on how, where and on what this Government spends money.

Government will also be able to encourage private sector invest¬ment where it is needed most, with a view to maintaining and enhancing the Province's unique environment and ensuring that our biodiversity and our cultural environment are conserved for future generations.

Following the workshops a consultative summit will be held on November 29 where our social partners will debate the framework before its finalization early next year.

The workshops will be to inform communities about the PSDF and will be used as an opportunity for people to participate and contribute to the framework.

The workshops will kick-off in Beaufort West, at the Karoo Ontspannings Club on Monday, October 4 from 8am to 3pm and the last one will be held end on Tuesday October 19 at the Worcestor Town Hall from 8am to 3pm.

DATE	AREA	VENUE	TIME
Mon. 11 October '04	Beaufort West Karoo	Ontspannings Club	08h00 - 15h00
Tues. 12 October '04	George	Gateway Lodge	08h00 - 15h00
Wed. 13 October '04	Caledon	Town Hall	08h00 - 15h00
Thur. 14 October '04	Cape Town	Western Province Cricket Club	08h00 - 15h00
Mon. 18 October '04	Piketberg	PPC Hall	08h00 - 15h00
Tues. 19 October '04	Worcester	Town Hall	08h00 - 15h00

For more information contact:

Chittenden Nicks de Villiers (CNdV)
Te: 021 461 6302
Fax: 021 461 6466
Cell: 082 896 0208
e-mail: Chittenden Nicks de Villiers

Dr Laurine Platzky
Tel: 021 483 3339
Fax: 021 483 3475
e-mail: Dr Laurine Platzky

Octagonal Development cc

Tel: 021 852 1122 Fax: 021 852 1122 Cell: 084 582 4229 e-mail: Octagonal Development cc

Ms Suwaybah Friday

Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Tel: 021 483 4794 Fax: 021 483 4527 e-mail: Suwaybah Friday

Enquiries: Lynnette Johns
Ministerial media officer

Tel: 021 483 3915 Cell: 083 3100 113 e-Mail: Lynette Johns