Nature’s Consequences

JUST as the Namibian clocks were turned back this week, denoting the end of our summer season, so the first of our winter high sea swells hit the coast, wreaking its wrath at man’s invasion of their space!

“In nature there are neither rewards nor punishments. There are consequences...” JG Ingersoll 1833-1899.
The clandestine Safari Investments development on the Vineta beachfront remains shrouded in mystery for the public of Swakopmund, who are actively being kept ‘’in the dark’’ by both the developers and by the municipality. Inevitably, this blatant lack of transparency breeds suspicion and mistrust.
Seemingly, the development is forging ahead without the necessary environmental documentation decreed by our constitution. The developers, Safari Investments, held a public ‘Open Day’ on 27 and 28 March in the foyer of the municipal offices. Artist’s impression drawings of the plans which, on the third attempt, have been passed by the Swakopmund Aesthetics Committee, were displayed. Hosted by project manager Wynand Marais, the public were informed that no questions pertaining to the development were to be asked, and no questions would be answered.
Aesthetically, the plans show very little sensitivity in relation to the sea, even less to the precious environment on which it stands, and absolutely zero consideration to surrounding residents.
On inquiring as to the impact on the community of the area, Marais claimed that “It has nothing to do with the public!”
In a press release by Safari Investments at the end of 2012, it was stated that this development was to be the largest coastal development in the history of Namibia.
Eventually I predict that this enormous concrete construction will stand as nothing more than a ‘’monument to greed’’, that future generations will have to live with.
Hopefully we will all feel a little bit ashamed for allowing it to happen.
Concerned resident
Swakopmund

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