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Municipality still waiting on Fish Farm proposal before committing

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Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality City Manager Mpilo Mbambisa has confirmed that the municipality is still waiting for the proposal on the Fish Farm from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), before it could pronounce the municipality’s stance thereon.

“We have noted the keen public and stakeholder interest in this matter, it is therefore important for us that we comprehensively study the fish farm proposal from DAFF, and all its elements and factors, before making a determination as to whether we support the investment or not, in its current form,” Mbambisa said.

“To this end, I have requested representation from DAFF, who will hopefully be able to present their proposal to a full sitting of the Executive Mayoral Committee, where my management team will also be present, so that we may be able to interact with the merits and demerits of the proposal.”

He said once this happens and proper objective assessments are made of all factors including, but not limited to, local economic development, tourism, aquaculture, and relevant case studies, the municipality will then provide its input and analysis to DAFF, as well as the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA).

Mbambisa confirmed that his office had been interacting with the DEA on the Appeals Process. The DEA will today convened a stakeholder and public engagement session in the Bay, prior to which they met with Mbambisa.

“Yes, we are interacting with the DEA on this matter – the understanding is that we, as the Municipality, should take about a month in which to receive, engage with and study the DAFF proposal, before submitting our institutional opinion,” he said.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.