Durban super port to be finalised
After years of uncertainty the eThekwini municipality is set to finalise planning for development south of Durban around the existing port, spurred on by Transnet’s planned dig-out port at the old Durban International airport site, The Mercury reports.
The municipality released its draft Back of Port Interface Local Area Plan for public consultation, part of the city’s vision to develop Durban into a future “super port”, with major expansions to the existing port and about R100 billion expected to be invested in developing the new dig-out port.
The port expansions are expected to see a major increase in demand for logistics and warehousing in the area and are anticipated to displace some existing businesses and land owners. The city is also looking at building dedicated truck freight routes linking both ports to the N2 and then the N3, part of government’s grander Durban-Free State-Gauteng freight corridor plan.
The municipality will now begin a public consultation process over a two-month period starting from July 1.
“The process with the public is to get their views and input on the draft plan prior to finalisation. This plan is by no means final. Consideration will be given to public comments before the plan is finalised,” Nomvusa Shabalala, deputy mayor and chairwoman of the city’s economic development committee, said.
She said the plan was aimed at providing a clear frame-work for the management and development of a land-use scheme for Congella, Clairwood,Jacobs, Mobeni, Umbilo and Rossburgh in the context of an expanding port.
“These plans are being developed in the interest of economic growth, alleviating community and business uncertainty and formulating a long-term solution for the back of port area,” said Shabalala.
Clairwood looks set to be one of the main affected areas. The Clairwood Ratepayers Association has been vocal on no further industrial development in the area and is opposed to development of the Clairwood Racecourse.
But, despite rezoning plans, Shabalala stressed: “There won’t be any forced removals or taking people away from their homes… That is why we are now embarking on a public consultation process. We have 60 days to discuss the matter with all affected parties.“
In 2006 the city’s economic development committee started discussions with experts around the process of creating an integrated land-use scheme for the area, but now the 60-day public consultation process will see official engagement with the community, business sector and interested parties.