Proposed Expansion of Container Handling Facilities in ... - Transnet

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Proposed Container Handling Expansion Security Issues There was concern that Transnet’s proposal did not seem to include any consideration of the issue of security. For any security measures to be effective, the issue must be considered during the planning stage. Concern was raised about the safety of tourists in, and around, the port. A second participant asked if Transnet had a strategy in place for dealing with the illegal operations and organised crime that occurred within the port. The facilitator noted that this point was not directly pertinent to this process. The Acting Port Manager noted that as far as he was aware, there were no illegal operations in the port. He asked that any information about illegal activities be reported to Transnet’s fraud hotline. Tenant Issues Several participants requested clarity on what Transnet’s approach would be toward tenants of the affected areas, particularly those with long leases. Specifically, there was a question about how tenants from the ship building and ship repair industry would be accommodated or affected. A member from Marine Yacht Lift also asked that consideration be given to the yachting industry. Representatives of these interests wanted to know what Transnet’s thinking was around compensating tenants. In response, it was noted that Transnet is not yet in a position to comment on these issues. Separate consultations with tenants have been held and will continue to be held to discuss these issues. This interest will also be addressed more comprehensively through the EIA process. A participant noted that several tenants had been awarded very long leases for what he described as “ridiculously” low rents. It was asked that this issue be investigated further. Ecological Issues A representative of the Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa asked Transnet to remember that the bay includes, but should not be reduced to being seen as only the Port of Durban. She stressed that a key imperative should be to preserve the functioning of the ecosystem found in this remarkable bay. She urged Transnet to seriously consider pursuing the southern access option rather than the northern channel. She was very concerned that the ecosystem in the bay would be significantly impacted if the sand bank were to be trimmed. This trimming would be necessary if the Northern channel was to be the route used by ships accessing the new Bayhead basin. Funding A participant asked what the implications of this development would be for the taxpayer. Moira Moses, the group executive for Transnet Projects, explained that Transnet would finance this project with its own funds. It was stressed that Transnet is run like any private company. It has its own balancing sheet and does not receive regular stipends from government. Public Meeting Record 4 10 May 2007
Proposed Container Handling Expansion Procurement and Employment A participant asked about procurement. She specifically wanted to know what Transnet’s policies were with regards to black economic empowerment (BEE). Moira Moses assured participants that Transnet was committed not only to the codes and requirements of BEE legislation but also to the principles of broad based black economic empowerment (BBBEE). Transnet was particularly concerned with creating opportunities for black South Africans, women and previously disadvantaged people. Transnet was also in the early stages of initiating an enterprise development project with potential small enterprises in local communities. It was noted that there was still a long process to be undertaken before the details on procurement become relevant to this project. Councillor Nene of Ward 26 asked about the opportunities that would be created for employment. She was particularly interested in hearing about what Transnet’s policies were on employing local labour. Moira Moses explained that a project of this magnitude would generate numerous employment opportunities. She noted that already the project is drawing on local labour. She assured participants that Transnet would continue to source labour in local communities. Alternative Logistic Solutions Councillor du Bois, who also represents communities adjacent to the port, proposed that a “dry port” be developed in the Cato Ridge area. This would relieve pressure from the port area. A copy of the written submission he submitted to the meeting is attached. (See Annexure) Another participant recommended that a truck park would solve some of the traffic problems experienced in the vicinity of the port. 3. Stakeholder Involvement Lisa van Dongen of Common Ground described the public participation process that Common Ground will facilitate on Transnet’s proposed Bayhead expansion. She emphasised that the process is to be governed by the principles of inclusivity and transparency. She outlined the different phases of participation and gave examples of the various forms in which the engagement could be undertaken. She introduced a proposal to establish a stakeholder forum and sought endorsement for this idea. A copy of her presentation is attached and can be accessed online at www.transnet.net/TransnetProjects.aspx Discussion The Process A participant sought clarity on the EIA process. The facilitator explained that the EIA for this project had not yet begun and was anticipated to begin in the second half of 2007. Following this response, a participant asked how the current participation process would align with the EIA process. She was concerned that this initial process would have to be repeated when the EIA began. The facilitator said that the processes had been aligned. Common Ground had initiated a preliminary stakeholder process and would continue the consultation process into the EIA. All Public Meeting Record 5 10 May 2007
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