THE proposed Durban Dig-out Port which is earmarked for the old Durban International Airport site, has been put on the back burner for at least another decade.
The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), which was informed of the decision by Transnet, said although it was satisfied to hear of the decision, the development was still in sight and it would continue to promot sustainable development at all costs.
A Transnet representative said the proposed Durban Dig-out Port (DDOP) fits within the context of broader plans to increase the handling capacity of the Durban Container Precinct in the Port of Durban. Based on current forecasts, the project has been re-baselined and the first phase of the DDOP development will only be required in the year 2032.
“Stakeholders in the South Durban Basin are an important part of our plans to stimulate economic growth and job creation. We will, in the near future, be embarking on the process of engaging all affected stakeholders regarding these plans, which always take into account the prevailing economic climate, impact on cargo volumes and job creation,” the representative said.
Desmond D’Sa from SDCEA said with regards to the fisher-folk, there had been a few meetings to discuss their access to various fishing spots and also issues concerning to permits that are outstanding.
“There is a risk assessment in question and we are currently in the process of following that through. The risk assessment will determine the safety concerns of the North and South Piers. Transnet has made initiatives and we welcome those initiatives which include becoming more participatory in discussions and decision making processes because fisher-folk are in fact regarded as port users. We will however, still vouch for proper engagement to all stakeholders and will continue to express our views,” he said.
He said discussions on the status of the subsistence farmers had also been discussed with Transnet and their position on the land earmarked for development is said to be secured for another decade.
“We have requested that a written document be drawn up confirming this so that farmers are ensured of their position on the site. We will continue to fight for their rights to maintain that strip of land or be compensated in some way for the inconveniences as a result of this proposed development. The next meeting will take place early next year where all of these points will be laid out,” he said.
Turning to the controversial Clairwood Logistics Park development, D’Sa said the matter was now in a legal review process. “The rezoning of many areas in South Durban especially Clairwood for logistics and trucking businesses are piggy-back riding on the Durban Dig-out Port development and it is extremely unsettling to fathom the fact that a vibrant community such as Clairwood are being completely disregarded in light of these port related businesses and activities which will only cause more havoc and negative impacts than anything else,” he said.
Nico Prinsloo of Fortress Income Fund said The Fortress Income Fund, developer of the Clairwood Logistics Park, said appeals lodged against the development had been dismissed and that the original decision to grant environmental authorisation was upheld.
“The further review that has been requested does not overturn the original approvals obtained and we are confident that we will proceed with a development that will improve the quality of life of local communities through the creation of jobs and the upgrading of infrastructure. We are committed to supporting our neighbouring communities and have, to date, invested R3,8 million rand in assisting local schools in south Durban,” he said.
