Engen’s R20m site build fuels residents’ concerns

CONSTRUCTION of the new Engen Stapleton Road Convenience Centre is in full swing.

The R20 million site build is set to open for business in May 2018 under the management of Jabulani Ngwane.

Gavin Smith, Engen’s external communications manager said the Engen Stapleton Road Convenience Centre will comprise four pumps for motorists to fill up their vehicles with Engen’s advanced fuels.

“A Quickshop will offer customers everyday essentials, like bread, milk, newspapers, and assorted groceries, while a Corner Bakery will offer warm hearty meals, on-the-go fillers like Big Shot Burger Pies or freshly baked snacks made from only the freshest ingredients,” said Smith.

Smith said in terms of construction, the preparatory works for the site includes extensive subsoil drainage works to control the water seepage before the construction of the platform commences.

“In order to create the platform for the new service station, some 10,000 m3 of fill material has to be brought in. Once the platform is complete, roadworks as well as building works will commence. Access to the site will be gained via a newly constructed fourth leg to the existing intersection of Stapleton Road and Sanderson Road which includes the necessary adjustments to the existing traffic signals,” said Smith.

The service station building will be a single-storey structure with a pitched roof. The forecourt comprises a typical Engen four pump island canopy. The construction includes the installation of four underground tanks including all the pipe work that connects the tanks with the dispensers on the pump islands. Extensive site signage also forms part of the project.

“Great emphasis will be given to landscaping to ensure that the new development blends into the existing environment,” said Smith.

Residents’ concerns

While some might welcome the idea of a new service station in the community, a large group of residents were shocked to see bulldozers working on a ‘wetland’.

Kristin Smith, one of the residents and the admin officer and event coordinator at Carebears Wonderland Pre-school in Pinetown said she initially thought municipality was finally clearing the overgrown vegetation on the site but when a parameter fence went up, she knew the municipality had finally approved plans to build something on that property, which is right next to the school.

“This idea of them wanting to build on the wetland dates back more than 10 years ago. My dad, David Ryan, was first approached by Engen years ago with an offer to pay him an amount of +-R300 000 for his property and he turned it down saying his property was worth more and at the time currently had no where else to live. Then later on they offered him +-R530 000 and again he declined,” said Smith.

She said no notifications were sent out to the residents in the area about the Engen garage being approved.

“The health and social development department we deal with said by no means were they alerted there was a petrol garage going up next to a pre-school. When I called to notify them, they were in complete shock and said it should and would not have been approved had they been told or heard about it,” added Smith.

“All the water drainage that was in the vacant land has been removed and has now resulted in a huge build up of mud and a stream-like river of water running through the school property blocking our drains. When we tried to go and approach them on 6 December after the downpour of rains, there was no one but a security guard on site to question who will be cleaning up the mess. As a result we had to put rubble up against our wall to try and prevent as much water and mud from coming through. This is a result of the land being an actual wet land,” said Smith.

Her added that the construction is more of a worry for the health and safety of the children and residents in the area as apposed to the value of their property.

Municipality approves rezoning

eThekwini head of communications, Tozi Mthethwa said the rezoning of that vacant land was initially approved by Council on 1 November 2000 having followed the necessary process including public participation.

“The objectors took the approval on Appeal and the Appeal was upheld. Council subsequently took the matter on review to the Premier and the rezoning was approved on 16 October 2001. Building plans were subsequently approved on 16 February 2016 and hence construction on site,” said Mthethwa.

Destruction of the land

Mark Liptrot, chairman of uThekwane Conservancy in Pinetown said he had a look at the site and it looked awful.

“I can’t believe how the municipality allowed this development. Firstly, why have yet another petrol station in Pinetown? Secondly, has an EIA been done on this site? Thirdly, have the surrounding properties been allowed to object? Fourthly, has this site been classified as a wetland – it looks like it’s in a hollow. Fifthly, conversion of land into hard surfaces will increase run-off into the surrounding road and properties in an area already prone to flooding.

“I hope the developer has followed all the correct procedures on this development. I think that Engen should offset their destruction of the land by putting money into an upgrade of a public amenity such as the New Germany Nature Reserve, who desperately needs to upgrade some of their

infrastructure,” said Liptrot.

Councillor not informed

Ward 18 councillor, Melanie Brauteseth said she had been trying to gather more information on the matter and will continue to do so.

“To my knowledge, this land was zoned as a wetland area but since has apparently been rezoned and building plans were approved last year. At this

point, from the information that I have received thus far, I am disappointed that more care was not taken on the conservation side as I feel that our natural environment needs to be preserved. In saying this, if the processes have been followed, the construction will continue,” said Brauteseth.