Point Developers Gamble With Ratepayers' Money
The Mercury
September 18, 2007 Edition 1
The Durban Point Development Company's new plans for the small-craft harbour at Vetch's, as revealed in The Mercury on September 14, reveal a number of concerning issues.
I get the impression that the company (which is 50% owned by the city) is gambling with ratepayers' money. Project Director Neels Brink stated that "if we don't go ahead with the small-craft harbour, it will be a financial disaster for the Point".
It appears that they are so confident that the authorities will approve the plans, they have simply gone ahead with construction before receiving approval. Evidence of this are the canals which have already been built.
For the development to go ahead, the company is desperately trying to displace the water sports clubs. This is a grim reminder of apartheid-style land grabs.
Brink also speaks of icons. In defence of the boating clubs, the Hobie Cat, Crocker Paddleski and Ski Boat clubs are Durban icons. If the small-craft harbour is allowed to go ahead, these icons will disappear from Durban for ever.
I find it ridiculous that, the day after our coast was under a tsunami alert, the company revealed plans to build a hotel below the high-water mark.
If readers would like to learn more about these controversial plans, they should attend a public meeting that has been arranged by the consultant who has prepared the draft environmental impact assessment. This will be held at at The Durban Manor at 8.30am on September 29 .
The Water Rat
Durban
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