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Situated on the South-Eastern edge of Gauteng, the Lesedi area is a paradise of hills and streams. As such, environmental conservation is of high importance to the municipality. The area is well endowed with natural resources such as nature reserves, water bodies and plant species. On the grassy plains, there is a large variety of plant species including Red Data Species. one of these is the Khadia beswickii, discovered in 1922. Although this species is still on the endangered list, its future existence is no longer critical.
Heidelberg, the centre of economic activity since the early 20th century, is a blend of victorian characterized by museums and historical buildings dating as far back as 1885. Lesedi boasts a remarkable mix of cultures whose heritage is deeply linked with socio-economic and political history of the area. Cultural and township tourism is alive and well in the areas of Ratanda and Impumelelo. A number of restaurants and pubs, catering for the discerning diner are found in and around Heidelberg, while tourists who enjoy ethnic and unique arts and crafts can spend a day browsing through the various jewelry, arts and crafts, antique and home industry stores. Escape and explore! Lesedi will warm your heart and revitalize your soul. Enjoy the journey. UNDERSTANDING ENVIRONMENT AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE COMMUNITY. The fundamental right to a healthy environment means everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to health or well-being. It also emphasis the need to act reasonably in order to protect the environment by preventing pollution, promoting conservation and sustainable development, while building the economy and society. The World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in August 2002 raised awareness of the importance of environmental information for decision-making. It is for these reasons that the Lesedi Local Municipality has established an Environmental Management Unit as a component of its Planning and Development Department. Environmental impact management should play a more significant role in all spheres of society. It is therefore critical that prior to any development, the environmental impacts associated with the activity are identified and mitigation measures are introduced to deal with those impacts. A State of Environment Report is needed for us to determine the future, we have to know the past and the present. It is for that reason that the Sedibeng District Municipality has appointed Strategic Environmental Focus (SEF)to compile a State of Environment Report (SoER). The project was initiated in March 2003 and is funded by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. All stake holders were identified and engaged in the process through a workshop in December 2003. Out of the workshop, a list of indicators was compiled which will assist in highlighting the condition of the biophysical environment. The objective of the SoER is to give an indication of environmental impacts by including analyses of trends or changes in the environment, the causes of these changes, and assessment and interpretation of the implications and impacts of these trends, and assessment of the actual and potential societal responses to environmental problems. Based on the report, Lesedi will be in a position to develop an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and implement projects such as the Integrated Development Program (IDP) and Spatial Development Framework (SDF). Projects/programmes such as the SoER, IDP, SDP and EMP assist Lesedi in making informed decisions in terms of future development (for example, decisions on where townships and industries may be established). The Environmental Report is to be submitted by SEF for comment and other relevant input during September 2004. Housing and the Environmental concerns are integral to all government spheres and housing delivery is a critical site for environmental protection. The Council is currently embarking on an Environmental Management Plan to make Extension 23 a smoke-free zone by building or improving existing houses to be energy efficient. This is being done in partnership with DACEL and DME. All possible avenues are being explored to secure funding to achieve this objective. Progress is being made in this regard and indications are this objective will be achieved soon. Kwa-Zenzele is another housing project the Department of Development and Planning is involved in. Progress is slow due to problems and confusion experienced when the project was initiated. The Department of Development and Planning is, however, confidant that these hiccups will be cleared and progress will be registered soon. We are hoping that the Environmental Management Unit will integrate with all departments and make contributions to bettering the life of the Lesedi community. | |
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