Greenspace, an environmental organisation, says it is "totally opposed" to the development plans.

In May, the Windhoek Town Council decided "that Erf 2882 in Klein Windhoek be sold for a development that comprises of a restaurant, lodge or bouquet [sic] hotel that would complement the environment and enhance tourism to the area".

"Erf 2882 is a dominant natural feature in the unspoilt landscape of the whole Avis Dam basin and view of the Auas Mountains," Greenspace said a statement yesterday.

"Any development there would result in restricted access, fences, man-made eyesores, noise and lights."

During July and August, Greenspace tested the opinion of Avis Dam users about the planned development.

"The most common responses were that it is the only natural area left in Windhoek that is safe to come to, it should not be spoilt," the organisation said.

"Will the developer be made to pay for the two bridges, the roads, the electricity, the sewerage, the water pipes and making good all damage they do to the surrounding land? Ratepayers should not pay for any of those things," one resident commented in the petition.

Others questioned the transparency of the plans, suspecting unscrupulous developers behind the sudden move to 'develop' the green heart of the city.

"We want transparency.

The Council must consult the people before selling our natural heritage," another comment read.

The opinion poll found that people from all over Windhoek visit the Avis Dam to walk, fish, cycle and just relax.

Over half of the visitors were not from the suburbs near the dam.

"This should be proof to the Windhoek municipality that the Avis Dam area is already accessible to people from all suburbs.

If the municipality wants to proceed with this unpopular development, it must pay for a full EIA before selling the land and give a full breakdown of costs expected from the ratepayers.

"Greenspace feels that the development of a hotel or lodge on Erf 2882 makes no sense because the residents and users don't want it, it would destroy an area of outstanding natural beauty and ratepayers will have to pay for the two bridges through Avis or an access road onto the dangerously fast airport road.

"Greenspace is not against development.

We recommend an alternative site, which would be far cheaper to develop and that has a magnificent view over the dam and the Auas Mountains, which Erf 2882 does not."

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