Cape Town - More interventions and investigations are needed before the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board can consider the application of Tsogo Sun Caledon to relocate its casino to the Helderberg.
This follows a public hearing with locals and interested parties on July 12, which allowed the public to make oral submissions to the board and to testify or to call witnesses.
According to board CEO, Primo Abrahams, before it could decide on the matter, further information was required.
“At this stage, all processes have not been completed and accordingly, there is nothing to report on the process,” Abrahams said.
Among others, economic proposals and municipal approvals would be further considered.
Abrahams said: “It is the normal probity investigations, land use certifications, municipality approvals, business licences, economic proposals and suitability of persons among others as well as the objections received.”
The Somerset West Ratepayers Association described the casino application for the proposed site as “socially irresponsible”.
The association said the proposed site was within walking distance from Gordon High School and Danie Ackermann Primary School.
A section of the farm that was once a part of the Somerset West Golf Course is where the relocation and development are planned to take place.
“Casinos are known to reduce the disposable income of households. The location is next to an already impoverished community.
“Casinos are also known to attract undesirable elements such as drug and alcohol use and prostitution,” the association said.
Chris Wacker of La Wingerd-Links Neighbourhood Watch said the decision lied with the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board.
Wacker previously said the move had the potential to negatively impact the Helderberg community.
Ward 83 councillor in Somerset West, Carl Punt, said the City of Cape Town had no say regarding the proposed plans for a casino in the area.
“The application is with the gambling board and not with the City of Cape Town, thus it depends on their approval for a gambling licence, thus if such a casino will be a reality or not,” he said.
Punt said the City would only attend to development applications regarding building plans and zoning.
The Somerset West Ratepayers Association added that they trusted all the due diligence would be done concerning statutory regulations.
“The SWRPA also requests to meet and work with the future casino ownership,” it said.
Cape Argus