Picture: David Ritchie
The City of Cape Town has renewed the lease for the Waterhof bird sanctuary, valued at R41 million with an area size just over 5164m², to Cape Waters PTY LTD for R1250 per month.
At a Sub-council 16 meeting in February, it was proposed that the grounds located on erven 1366 and 1370 off Hofmeyr Street, Oranjezicht, be granted a lease under the following terms:
A market rental of R1 250 per month inclusive of rates and excluding VAT calculated at the rate applicable at the time of transaction be payable;
The monthly rental shall escalate at 6% per annum compounded annually on a pro rata basis commencing two months from date of valuation i.e. as from 01 October 2023;
The above recommended rental is effective and payable as from 01 October 2023;
The lease will endure for a period of 10 years; subject to a rental review after a period of five years.
According to the minutes, the primary use of the property is for a nature reserve which the applicant has been leasing since 2012.
Ward 77 councillor Francine Higham confirmed that the lease was approved.
“The property is a public open space, however we understand that it is also a sensitive area in respect of the fact that it is a bird sanctuary, and so we request that supervised access is allowed to members of the public. In order to provide accessibility to the property under supervised conditions, the contact details (email and phone number) for the management team must be visible at all times at the entrance of the property, and these contact details must be published on a public website,” said Ms Higham on the minutes.
The Atlantic Sun asked about the entry fee, the different bird species that could be found on this property and the City responded by saying that access needs to be arranged.
“The Waterhof Bird Sanctuary is not a tourist attraction like the World of Birds in Hout Bay. The property is used for the rehabilitation of birds and also the protection of different species of birds and plant life,” the statement said.
“Access to the site, for example to birding groups or members of the public who wish to observe the birdlife, will only be allowed to those who have made prior arrangements. This sanctuary is not a park or place where people can go for ordinary walks etc. There is however an understanding with the neighbouring owners who wish to gain access from time to time, provided it has been pre-arranged.”
Attempts to reach Cape Waters PTY LTD were unsuccessful, and the Cape Bird Club said that they are not involved in any projects at the refuge.