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The DA in KwaZulu-Natal has raised the alarm after a screening report by Msunduzi’s Environmental Management Unit (EMU) confirmed that land purchased for a Bakerville Heights housing project is unsuitable for construction.

The report – which comes while construction forges ahead – indicates that the site is completely unsuitable for environmental reasons. The project, in Ward 30, forms part of a KZN Department of Human Settlements development with plans to build 115 housing units for military veterans as part of Phase 1.

Earlier this month the DA raised concerns from both an environmental and public consultation aspect. This after our own site inspection revealed various issues.

The EMU report (view here) has now confirmed our reservations from an environmental perspective with the following findings;
· High Biodiversity development constraints, with the area falling within an irreplaceable Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA)
· High Wetland development constraints, with wetland features confirmed on site and;
· Extremely steep slopes which require further assessment and a Geotechnical understanding established as well as erosion control measures should development occur.

The report further states that it is highly possible that once the site is disturbed from its natural form, including the denuding of vegetation, that there will be an increased water run off which will impact residents living below.

It also states that KZN’s Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) will need to be consulted 'as future development on the application site does trigger the need for Environmental Authorization in terms of National Environmental Management Act (NEMA, Act 107 of 1988). '

The DA regards it as unacceptable that, in spite of warnings, KZN’s Department of Human Settlements is pushing ahead with this project, placing the lives of surrounding residents, as well as those who are to inhabit the buildings, at risk.

It would seem that KZN’s recent floods have taught this Department nothing, even after witnessing the effects of the destruction of biodiversity on a first-hand basis.

The large number of KZN government-built houses and flats that are falling apart and structurally unsound all point to a trend of expert reports being ignored without any consideration for future consequences.

The impact – both financially and in terms of loss of life can no longer be ignored. This Department needs to wait until such time as planning and environmental approval is given the green light before it proceeds with any projects.

The DA remains committed to monitoring any further construction on this site and will submit follow up parliamentary questions to newly-installed MEC, Nthuthuko Mahlaba in this regard. He and his Department are effectively gambling with peoples’ lives and will have blood on their hands if this project continues.

Issued by Marlaine Nair, MPL - DA KZN Spokesperson on Human Settlements