‘Green’ objection threatens CT terminal expansion plan

RAY SMUTS AN OBJECTION by a body of concerned residents could scuttle the proposed R1 billion-plus terminal expansion project at the Port of Cape Town. Following a ‘Record of Decision’ by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, effectively giving the green light for the project to proceed provided there were no objections, the Woodbridge Island Body Corporate near Milnerton, representing owners in a large, beachfront estate, has lodged an appeal. According to South African Port Operations’ container terminal engineering manager Rob Hutchinson, the Woodbridge appeal raises questions over whether the proposed 300-metre terminal extension is necessary and the matter of beach erosion emanating from the project. “We have not done this homework on our own but had lots of international consultants and feel our arguments are sufficient to cover the residents’ objections.” To page 20 From page 1 Nosipho Damasane, Sapo’s Durban-based general manager, supply chain, who attended the media briefing on behalf of Sapo CEO Tau Morwe, adopts a more cautious stance with a “50/50” prognosis on the project proceeding, given the appeal at hand. Fezile Ndema, the Mother City port’s safety, health and environment manager, told FTW the sequel to the Woodbridge appeal was a request by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism for Sapo to respond, which had been complied with. As to the chance of a ruling in Sapo’s favour, Ndema asserts: “We can’t say, it’s in the hands of the minister, (Marthinus van Schalkwyk).”