The Observatory Civic Association and the Goringhaicona Khoi Khoin Indigenous Traditional Council has welcomed an interdict against Liesbeek Leisure Property Trust, to halt the ongoing construction at the River Club site in Observatory.

In her ruling, Western Cape Deputy Judge President Patricia Goliath noted the importance of the First Nation Peoples’ linkage to the site and found that the fundamental rights to culture and heritage of the Khoi and San peoples were under threat, should the development continue.

Judge Goliath also dismissed the argument that the development would bring about economic, infrastructural, and public benefits.

The R4.5 billion construction which has already gotten underway was meant to house online retail giant, Amazon offices.