Tomorrow (17 December)  is the last day for public comment on the development proposals for the Two Rivers Urban Park.  This is an area comprising Oude Molen, The River Club, and some adjoining land, including the vacant area in Pinelands adjacent to Pinelands train station. 
 
Motivation is put forward in a document headed “Two Rivers – LSDF” which is available for inspection at local public libraries and can be accessed on line here:  http://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies,%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Draft_Two_Rivers_LSDF.pdf
 
The idea seems to be to develop the land for a mixture of light industrial, retail / office, and residential, including low cost housing.  This land is apparently considered appropriate due to its “proximity to public transport” and “potential to create new jobs”.  Neither seems particularly convincing. 
 
Regarding public transport, the train service is collapsing, the Oude Molen site does not lie on a My Citi bus route, and it therefore seems that any development of this land for the purposes mentioned above will likely lead to significantly greater traffic congestion on limited access roads into Pinelands, much of it likely to be taxis.  Alexander road (which runs between Oude Molen and the railway line) is only one lane in each direction and starts and ends at what are already very busy traffic light-controlled intersections.
 
The proposal offers no explanation for how the development has the potential to create new jobs, other than for the limited duration of the construction of whatever will be built.  As a matter of fact, the South African economy is still shedding jobs.
 
The development of the River Club site, in particular, envisages very dense re-development including the construction of high rise buildings and the redirection of the river into a canal.
 
Much of the land is a recognized heritage site of the Koi and San people.  It is also a recognized wetland area  with significant plant, animal, and bird life which include threatened species.
 
The Oude Molen site is the only recreational space of its kind in the area and offers the surrounding communities a place to be and belong.  These communities include Garden Village, a previously disadvantaged community.  For a number of years, the Garden Village community has benefited from employment and other opportunities offered by the range of business and other activities which take place at Oude Molen.
 
Residents in Pinelands are encouraged to urgently submit their objections to trulsdf@capetown.gov.za 
 
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead