MyPE

Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

Time to Remove This Blight From Our Beachfront

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I would like to draw the attention of metro residents, particularly those directly affected by their proximity to the Transnet Manganese Ore Facility, to the application for the Renewal of the facility’s Atmospheric Emission Licence.

The application is a legal requirement in terms of section 38(3) of the National Environmental Management Act: Air Quality .

In terms of the notice printed in the back of The Herald and Die Burger, any affected party, member of the public or business has an opportunity to lodge their comments and objections to such a renewal. Any such communication must  be lodged in writing by 7 March 2011 and sent to : Karissa Nel, SRK Consulting, PO Box 21842, Port Elizabeth,6000. Alternatively they can be faxed to 041 509 4850 or e-mailed to knel@srk.co.za

Representations should also contain the name of the person, entity or business and an indication of any direct business, financial personal or other interest in the application.

All comment will be noted and submitted along with the licence application to the relevant authority.

It is well known by now that the delays in the relocation of these facilities continue to hold up the successful development of a metro waterfront and, in so doing, continuing to deprive many residents of economic opportunity and jobs.

The long suffering residents who live in close proximity continue to be affected daily by the dust pollution that soils our homes and affects our health. The King’s Beach area continues to suffer the consequences of uncontrolled pollution.

This facility has long passed its sell-by date and needs to go. The economic potential is too great to continually be ignored by a stubborn parastatal, that has demonstrated just how little they care through their stalling and inaction.

The Democratic Alliance and Ward 2 Office will be vigorously opposing the renewal of this licence and urges the metro to take a tougher stance in getting this blight removed from our beachfront. Transnet – it’s time to go. The people of the metro deserve to get their land, their birthright back.

I would similarly urge any member of the public, affected residents and businesses to also lodge their strongest objection.

Any queries can be directed to me at ward2[at]mandelametro.gov.za

Dean Biddulph
DA Councillor
Ward 2
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality

Editors Notes:

  1. See copies of some of the objections and contact details where objections and comments can be sent in the following article: A Manganese Ore Advert I would Have Carried for FREE.
  2. I sincerely hope that the municipality exercises due caution with regards to the granting of this licence. It is not inconceivable that the ratepayers could hold the municipality liable for clean up, health problems and the like should this atmospheric emissions licence application by granted by our Municipality.
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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.