To: Catchment Management at City of Cape Town

Zandvlei has now been closed for 11 weeks. We, as residents are concerned that no figures for E.Coli and other pollutants have been released so that we can understand exactly how polluted the vlei has become. We have requested these figures from the Zandvlei Manager, but he has informed us that he requires authorisation from Catchment Management.

I note that the Mayco member responsible is reported to have said that figures are not released because members of the public may misinterpret the results. This is patronising nonsense. We are intelligent and concerned petitioners representing over 6000 signatories who care about the state of the vlei. In addition, should we need help with analysing the results, we have plenty of access to competent scientific advice.

I also note that the Peninsula Canoe Club has today issued a declaration of intention to return to the vlei in defiance of the current ban. The highhanded way the Council has handled this matter is in danger of turning an environmental disaster into a political fiasco.

I repeat our demand that you issue the E. Coli figures for all the 11 weeks that the vlei has been shut as well as any other test results about the state of the vlei which you may have received. As residents and users of the vlei and as citizens we have a right to know in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act of 2000. It affects our daily lives.

Thanking you in anticipation.

Regards

Charles Whaley
 for SAVE THE ZANDVLEI petition

savethezandvlei@yahoo.com