[vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” background_animation=”none” css_animation=””][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Intaka Island, the jewel in the crown of Century City, is 21 years old!
At a function to commemorate this major milestone, Paul Lochner, chairperson of the Intaka Island Blouvlei Environmental Committee, said Century City had truly become a prime example of how the built and natural environments can co-exist in harmony for their mutual benefit.
Intaka Island started life as a degraded wetlands area known as Sewe Pannetjies. Before development of Century City started in 1997, an Environmental Impact Assessment had been commissioned resulting in a 16ha portion of the 250ha site being retained as a wetlands nature reserve which became known as Intaka Island.
Half of the site was kept as seasonal or ephemeral pans and the other 8ha was transformed into a manmade wetland which acts as a natural purification system for the water in Century City’s 8km of canals.
Lochner said what was then a situation of intense adversary between the various parties has become an example of collaboration among developers, civil society and government.
“This huge success story is thanks to the developer and the Century City Property Owners’ Association (CCPOA) embracing their commitments to the natural environment and working closely with the Intaka Island Blouvlei Environmental Committee.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]“It also shows how science and continuous learning has enabled unexpected challenges to be resolved and how a degraded vlei that was seen as an impediment for development has led to water becoming a signature feature of Century City.”
Chris Blackshaw, CEO of the CCPOA, the non-profit company responsible for the day to day operations of Century City which is now home to more than 500 businesses and 4000 residential front doors, said they were indebted to all those who had contributed to the success of Intaka Island.
“In particular our thanks go to five members of the Intaka Island Blouvlei Environmental Committee who have served since inception or shortly thereafter.”
“Paul Lochner, Dr Clive McDowell, Pat Titmus and Dr Tony Williams have all served on the committee for 21 years and Margaret Maciver for 20 years. This longevity of service must be something of a record!’’
A glossy, commemorative coffee table book covering the history of Intaka, the Eco-Centre’s environmental education programmes and the flora, fauna and birdlife on Intaka has been published showcasing some spectacular photographs, particularly of the birdlife, taken by members of the public over the years. A limited number of copies are available for sale at the Intaka Eco-Centre.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
