Barely 24 hours after he told Lowvelder in no uncertain terms that he would not be building a diesel depot near the town, Nhloso Nkosi reiterated that the diesel storage facility would merely be for his own use.
Lowvelder recently reported of the concerns of the residents of Waterberry Lodge, Ingwenyama Sports and Conference Resort, Rottcher Estates and the surrounding smallholdings in Ext 1JU, White River, about Nkosi’s intention to erect a diesel facility where he wants to store 500 000 litres of fuel.
The facility, situated at Erf 52, Touyz Street, will operate under the name Prodipix 212. At the time, Nkosi insisted that the diesel storage will be for his own use. He told Lowvelder because he will not be trading in diesel, he would not need permissions or approval.
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Interestingly enough, on the same day the article appeared, Nkosi called an urgent meeting with the residents to attend an environmental impact assessment (EIA) meeting, as required by law. However, Nkosi did not attend the meeting, but his legal advisor and staff from LC Enviro Consultants based in Ermelo led it.
More questions than answers. This was the general feelings residents had after the meeting.
“They really did not put any proper plans on the table, nor could they answer critical questions,” said Pierre du Preez of the White River Ratepayers Association. “This development is of deep concern to the residents in this neighbourhood, as the site appears to have been constructed without municipal approval. No land use compliance and no compliance with the Petroleum Acts have been done.”
One of the serious concerns residents raised, and which went unanswered, is possible ground water pollution from spillage. All the residents in this area rely on borehole water, and their drinking water is at risk of being exposed to hydrocarbon.
They also questioned the facts that there is no storm water infrastructure, that Touyz Street was not built for heavy trucks and that the facility could possibly operate 24 hours a day, causing serious disturbance for residents.
“Apart from residential properties and an eco estate, there is a church, a school and an international sports and conference centre that will be affected,” Du Preez said.
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A high wall and a huge gate have been erected around the property.
A 100 000L diesel tank was also delivered to the site. Nkosi admitted that he intends to bring in four more tanks to increase the diesel volume to 500 000L.
After the EIA meeting, Lowvelder struggled to contact Nkosi.
He was eventually tracked down in Singapore. Nkosi told Lowvelder he is also involved in the supply of medical equipment in South Africa, and had to go to Singapore on a business trip.
“After speaking to Lowvelder and being informed about the concerns of residents, I realised there are indeed numerous steps that must be taken to legalise the facility. That is why I urgently called in a company to do the EIA and will ensure that all legalities are in place.”
He again insisted that the development is not a diesel depot, but indeed merely a storage facility for his own use.
“I also gave instructions that the whole project and construction should be put on hold until all the legalities are complied with.” In the meantime, an urgent meeting of all effected persons was held this week, where it was decided that legal action against the development will go ahead to stop the project.
