CONCERNS shadowing the new 1 000 hectre mixed used development, Sibaya Coastal Precinct, were addressed at the launch on Friday.
Speaking at the event, Michael Deighton, managing director of Tongaat Hulett Developments said while the development would give rise to over 9 000 residential dwellings and 500 000 square metres of commercial properties such as schools and hospitals 60 per cent of the landscape would be rehabilitated and left as ‘green spaces”.
But for residents living in the neighbouring coastal village, eMdloti, the development remains a concern. Terry Rens, manager of the eMdloti Urban Improvement Project (UIP) said while there were residents who supported the development, it was important to remember that the area was an ‘extremely environmentally sensitive area’.
“The community understands that development promises new jobs, but residents are concerned that the massive proposed high rise buildings will be too close to the forest,” she said.
Deighton said the coastal forest and rehabilitated spaces would be secured and managed by a conservation trust. Cycle lanes and hiking trails as well as boardwalks to the beach will be incorporated into the development.
The development was given the official stamp of approval by KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Sihle Zikalala. He said the project is expected to inject R50-billion into the regional economy and would create over 300 000 jobs.
Sibaya’s development executive Sithembiso Mthembu echoed his sentiments saying, “This is set to change the Durban landscape and will have a significant positive effect on the economy. This project has been a long time coming and earth works are currently underway”.
The development, will border the Mhlanga forest and stretch along the N2 highway, between Ohlanga and eMdloti. It is expected that the project, which has been split into seven nodes, will be completed in 15 to 20 years.
