Sound approach taken to CLP development approval

EDITOR – MEC of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr Michael Mabuyakhulu and members of his department have given development of the Clairwood Logistics Park (CLP) the go ahead after careful consideration over a long period of time. This was in response to all issues raised in appeals submitted by SDCEA and others within the South Durban Basin Community.

According to Mr Nico Prinsloo, the Fortress Income Fund’s Development Manager, during his assessment of the process and a report on the reasons for his decisions, Mr Mabuyakhulu noted that all grounds for appeal were addressed.

The MEC noted that these had been considered by his department prior to and at the time of the initial decision to issue an environmental authorisation for the project.

He said that the MEC found that public participation process followed in the EIA process was compliant with EIA regulations.

The appeal covered eight issues raised by the appellants. It also ensured the appropriate integration of economic, social and environmental concerns and struck a balance between all.

One of the concerns addressed related to claims that the CLP would exacerbate traffic congestion in the area and could even endanger the lives of commuters. “During the development of the CLP, we will address this through upgrading roads at our own expense in order to improve traffic flow,” Prinsloo said.

He added that the improvements to the road infrastructure would also include redesigned intersections and safer waiting areas for the school children that currently congregate in unsafe areas waiting for transportation as well as the provision of safer pedestrian crossings. This is expected to significantly improve road safety in the area.

The Traffic Impact Assessment Report on which the Department based its decision was reviewed by the eThekwini Transport Authority and all issues raised were addressed and recommendations suggested were incorporated into our planning.

The Department found that community concerns that the former Clairwood race course had been identified as an emergency holding area in the event of an industrial accident in the area, were no longer applicable. The South Durban Emergency Plan was reviewed approximately two years ago and the decision taken to use local community centres rather than the Clairwood site for this, he noted.

Prinsloo said that concern that development of the CLP could lead to forced removals was also addressed by the MEC. In terms of the official authorisation, the development is limited to a specified portion of the site as specified in the EIA and will in no way displace members of the neighbouring residential communities.

“We would like to re-iterate the fact that, as a responsible corporate citizen, we are committed to helping improve the quality of life of our neighbouring communities. As a company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Fortress Income Fund strives at all times to adhere to strict corporate governance standards as expected of a company of our stature. Our substantial national property portfolio attests to the quality of our developments as well as the positive economic spinoffs,” said Prinsloo. .

He said the company was committed to ensuring that communities located close to the CLP (CLP) would enjoy a number of benefits.

In conclusion, Fortress Income Fund expects to begin construction within the first quarter of this year and looks forward to creating opportunities for unlocking opportunities so that the quality of life for local residents can improve.

Nico Prinsloo

On behalf of Fortress Income Fund