Residents of the Bo-Kaap are thrilled at the discovery of a stone well, which is possibly more than 150 years old, and have asked for it to be preserved and tested as a possible modern supply of spring water.
Mayco member for Economic Growth, James Vos, on Tuesday confirmed the stone well was discovered along the Spolander House, during the construction and upgrade of the Bo-Kaap Market.
Spolander House, on the corner of Yusuf Drive and Pentz Street, is a national heritage site and the land associated with the house (on which the well was found) is protected as a provincial heritage site.
Upon discovering the well, City officials instructed the contractor to immediately cease work.
On confirmation that the well was indeed archaeological, officials from Heritage Western Cape were notified.
Following careful inspection, the City’s heritage officials worked with the construction crew to secure the well and surrounding area and allow development to continue, said Vos.
The City said a public participation process is now under way.concerning the future redevelopment of the space
“To preserve the well for future generations, the City is engaging with the Bo-Kaap community and other stakeholders through registered interested and affected parties to guide its protection and give input to the future redevelopment of this space,” the City said
A stop work order is also in place within a five-metre buffer zone surrounding the well.
The contractor is said to be completing the trading stalls, timber gathering space, walkways and related market furniture such as benches in the interim.
“The City's goal in undertaking this project is to create a dignified and accessible trading area to grow the commercial and tourism potential of the area. That we could honour the history of Bo-Kaap through the preservation of this structure shows the City’s respect and deep commitment to our communities,” added Vos.
Bo-Kaap resident and cultural heritage activist, Jacky Poking, said they were thrilled about the discovery.
She called for it to be preserved and determined whether it could serve as a natural spring.
“I am excited about the discovery of the well in front of Spolander House,” she said to the Cape Argus on Tuesday.
“It validates the stories of water and water sources in Bo-Kaap.
“Furthermore, the fact that this well was not recorded further strengthened the value and importance of oral history, and that it should not be dismissed and or overlooked.
“I would like to see that the well is not just preserved but restored and be an integral part of the trading space. Almost a main feature of the trading space and not hidden away.
“More research should be done to see if the well can become a source of water collection like the springs we find in Vredehoek. Newlands, etc.
“I viewed the current revised architect's plan and the well is behind the multipurpose room and toilets.
"This hides it as if it's not relevant and important. I would like to see a redesign of the space to feature the well more prominently, even if it means a delay in the opening of the trading space.
"This is important because we have the opportunity to get this right.
“Lastly, the artist rendering of the trading space is problematic as it depicts people not from the area and it looks like any other space that could be found in Europe, etc.
"Representation matters, create rendering that depict the community, otherwise you are saying we are only there to 'serve'.
“This is Bo-Kaap our home, respect our home.
“Lastly, public participation should not be limited to those that have registered an interest.
"Public participation is a constitutional right and should be open to all.
"This affects and is of interest to all Bo-Kaapies and even to other Cape Townians and South Africans.”
According to the City, the historical background of the well is that it was located on a portion of the farm, Schotsekloof, originally granted in 1707.
They said the farm underwent several subdivisions and in the 1830s the remaining portion of the farm, on which the well was found, belonged to Mr Pentz.
In the 1930s, the property was expropriated as part of the so-called Slums Clearance Act of 1934.
Cape Argus