A multi-party, multi-portfolio working committee has been established to tackle the issue of enclosed or gated communities in Cape Town, for which the City has no policy at present.

The chairperson of the committee, Cllr Owen Kinahan, said that it was not acceptable to operate in an ad hoc manner when dealing with an issue as complex and emotive as this.

"It is vital that we balance the right of communities to safe and secure neighbourhoods with the need to integrate and improve access and equity. The proposed policy will set criteria to manage the process in such a way that the City does not end up as a series of gated settlements that will adversely affect its functionality", he said.

The committee will be calling on local, national and international expertise to address the wide spectrum of practical and sociological considerations. A workshop in early November will result in a draft policy that will be sent to sub-councils and public consultation for comment in February next year. It is envisaged that a report on the proposed policy be submitted to Council for decision by mid-2007.

Comment and enquiries can be directed to the Land Use Management Section of the City's Town Planning Department on telephone 021 400 1802 / 2565, fax 021 425 6495 or email lums@capetown.gov.za.

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Issued by:
Directorate: Communication and Marketing
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 400-2201
Fax: 021 957 0023

Media queries:
Cllr Owen Kinahan
Tel: 021 794 2493