Racecourse plan hits a snag

The application, lodged by Kerry Seppings Environmental (KSE), which was received by the DAEA on 12 November 2013, stipulated the desired proposed activity for land owners, CPF. Six alternatives – residential, green lung, offices, logistics, industrial, and no-go – were investigated during the scoping process and the final option was determined from the mandate given by CPF for the land to be used for commercial purposes. It was decided the most feasible option was to develop a logistics park on most of the site, while retaining vital ecological areas, where possible.

Many community members, including the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) were vociferous in their complaints about the ‘green lung’ area being demolished for commercial purposes, and numerous community meetings resulted in a strained relationship between CPF and KSE and the local community.

The DAEA rejected the EIA on four points. Critical issues regarding the wetland delineation and assessment and wetland functionality and impact assessments, traffic impact assessment, major hazard installation risk assessment for the Transnet pipeline and the capacity of the existing sewer infrastructure must be addressed before the proposed development may commence. Only once these have been appropriately addressed along with any further issues which may arise, may the applied-for developments begin.

According to SDCEA co-ordinator, Desmond D’Sa, they support the rejection and note further concerns.

“If the proposed development goes ahead there will be substantial impacts on the quality of our community’s air, land, water, health and well-being and social and biological resources. With the Clairwood Racecourse serving as the only ‘green lung’ in this part of South Durban, and the environment already severely compromised in this area, changing it into a logistics park will have significant negative impacts. Losses would include the extinction of many species of fauna and flora – such as the Racecourse Lily, which is indigenous to this area – and destruction of an entire wetland area, elimination of natural filters, and an aesthetically-pleasing place,” said D’Sa.

The SDCEA also notes that climate change and the transport link to Higginson Highway and its associated impacts were ignored in the EIA, which they believe will impact severely on South Durban.

“We strongly feel the developer and consultants are attempting to deceive communities, promising the development of a logistics and distribution centre at Clairwood Racecourse will benefit us, when this is not clear.”

– erinh@dbn.caxton.co.za