Chappies protests to continue
2012-02-19 16:31
Johannesburg - Civil society groups opposing the construction of a toll plaza and office block on Chapman's Peak vowed on Sunday to continue their protests.
The Greater Cape Town Civic Alliance (GCTCA) disputed Western Cape Transport and Public Works MEC Robin Carlisle's assertion on Friday that there was consensus that tolling was necessary.
"This is not the case as consensus has not been reached," it said.
"The decision to build an office block sets a precedent for the unlawful use of Table Mountain National Park land, a World Heritage Site, for the vested interests of the very few," it said.
A "solidarity sunset picnic" was planned for Sunday evening.
The police could not be reached for comment about the call to gather.
The GCTCA said this was not a formal protest march, but asked people to exercise their right to enjoy their national park.
"This is a call to everyone who objects to the construction of the Entilini office block, to join in solidarity to make a powerful public statement."
Media reports that Bronwyn Lankaers-Byrne had ended her hunger strike were false, the alliance said.
Lankaers-Byrne has been on a hunger strike since February 5, to protest the development.
On Friday, the Cape Times reported that an agreement had been reached between protesters and the provincial government.
The department of transport and public works had agreed to investigate alternative tolling systems
Development was temporarily halted last week when two women handcuffed themselves to scaffolding on the construction site.
- SAPA