THE public has been invited to participate in the environmental authorisation process for Richards Bay’s proposed new Magistrate’s Court.
A currently dilapidated court with an outer pre-fab structure used as a district court venue (DC2) in Richards Bay’s industrial zone, is finally set for a rebirth as a modern three-story building on the open plot between the Caltex filling station and KFC on Premium Promenade.
According to the project’s environmental consultant EnviroPro, an application for the environmental authorization has already been lodged with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs (DEA).
‘The proposed activity requires an application subject to a basic assessment process and all interested and affected parties are invited to register with EnviroPro within 14 days of the issuing of this notice,’ EnviroPro said in a statement.’
Both the Independent Development Trust (IDT) and Department of Justice (DOJ) requested to construct the new court that will occupy no less than five hectares in the urban setting.
‘There will be 98 parking bays in the parking area, as well as a walled-in prisoners yard and guardhouse with its own entrance,’ said EnviroPro.
‘There will also be an additional separate entrance and exits for the public and staff.’
Both the SAPS and ward committees are happy to see a new court building for the city, with the only concern being traffic congestion in the area.
Traffic trouble
‘All the plusses aside, I’m worried about traffic congestion on Premium Promenade and the subsequent impact on Lira Link,’ said Ward 2 Councillor Alen Viljoen.
‘The crossing behind The Netcare Bay Hospital into Premium Promenade has already proven to be risky with drivers taking chances and using the narrow Lira Link as a shortcut to rush to their destination.
‘If the new court beckons more traffic, it will definitely become necessary to turn Lira Link behind the hospital into a one-way street to avoid congestion and road accidents,’ Viljoen said.
Otherwise, the councillor highlighted that the court’s new location will be much more appropriate close to the police station and will finally offer sufficient parking bays and services.
Richards Bay SAPS spokesperson Debbie Ferreira also said they are hoping that a new court could grant protection orders, which community members currently have to attain in Empangeni.
