DURING an oversight visit to catalytic projects across the city on August 14 by eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba and the executive committee (Exco), a striking observation became apparent: not a single project is located on the South Coast beyond Prospecton and Isipingo.
Also read: New moderate-income housing project in Isipingo
The 16 investment developments, totalling R217 billion and promising over 300 000 jobs, are all concentrated in Central Durban, the northern wards and the Outer West. This glaring omission has raised concerns, especially after the South Coast lost its only catalytic project in April when Toyota South Africa abandoned plans for an automotive supplier park near Winklespruit.
Efforts to relocate the project to the old Durban International Airport site appear to have stalled, with a recent environmental impact assessment (EIA) classifying the area as a wetland. Councillor André Beetge questioned this sudden designation, asking, “While we care for the environment and always strive to protect it, why is it suddenly a wetland when it functioned as an airport for many years?”
Beetge raised the issue of the South Coast’s development neglect with Mayor Xaba, emphasising the need for employment opportunities and growth in the area. “Our people need jobs, too; we also want development,” he stressed.
The eThekwini Communications Department did not respond to queries, leaving the community wondering when they will see investment and progress in their region.
Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.