Minister Carlisie responds to Chapman's Peak reports

27 Feb 2012

Minister Robin Carlisle has responded to recent press reports that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) were "stepping in" on the matter of tolling on Chapman's Peak Drive (see report).

Media reports stated that UNESCO had contacted South African authorities after British swimmer and motivational speaker, Lewis Pugh, wrote to Lazare Eloundou, UNESCO Africa.

'I was interested to read in the Cape Times that UNESCO had contacted South African authorities about Chapman's Peak Drive,' Minister Carlisle said.

'Table Mountain is part of the Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site. UNESCO has identified the greatest threats to it as invasive alien species and wildfires.

'Entilini actively keep Chapman's Peak Drive free of invasion as part of their management of the road, while we as the Province have entered into a twelve-year contract with SANParks to clear the mountains above the pass,' said Minister Carlisle. 

'We therefore look forward to sharing this with UNESCO and getting their input on how we are taking proactive steps to manage the alien species issue on Chapman's Peak Drive.

'We haven't heard from UNESCO yet, but I am sure we will in due course," said Carlisle.

Statement issued by Steven Otter, Western Cape Transport and Public Works, February 27 2012

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