KZN MEC Michael Mabuyakhulu has given the go-ahead for construction of the Clairwood Logistics Park (CLP).
The building of the CLP has faced much backlash from the local community and was put on hold last year when an appeal was made for a review of the September 2014 amended environmental impact report (EIR).
On Monday, 25 January, Mabuyakhulu, KZN MEC for economic development, tourism and environmental affairs dismissed the appeal and upheld the decision for the CLP to be built on the site of the old Clairwood Race Course. According to Mabuyakhulu, the amended Capital Property Fund (CPF) EIR complied with stringent regulations and adequately addressed concerns raised during an appeal.
The department also found the public participation process was within EIA regulations and included rigorous parameters for development in response to the objections.
CPF later merged with Fortress Income Fund (FIF) which will begin the R3.5-billion project in the first quarter of this year. Of the R3.5-billion, R110-million will be spent on road and infrastructure upgrades neighbouring the park.
“This will not only improve traffic flow into and out of the site but will ease overall traffic flow in the area and significantly improve road safety, especially for pupils attending schools close to the site,” said FIF development manager, Nico Prinsloo.
The environmental authorisation given has abridged the development area and has chronicled the manner in which FIF must build and rehabilitate the land to create a sustainable wetland. About 350,000 square metres of the land will comprise warehousing with the rest set to become paved yards to service the facilities. Included in the plans is a fully rehabilitated eight hectare wetland.
“The CLP will not only meet growing demand for A grade logistics and distribution facilities in the south of Durban, but also improve the livelihoods of surrounding communities through job creation,” said Prinsloo.
The CLP will benefit local residents through job creation. An expected 18,900 jobs will be on offer during the construction period and upwards of 4,600 permanent jobs will be on offer once construction is complete in December 2020.
Click here to read previous articles leading up to this decision
