Durban - Environmental approval has been granted for Transnet’s plans to deepen, lengthen and widen berths 203-205 at Pier 2 at the Durban container terminal.
Berths 203 to 205 are the key container berths in the port. They were designed in the 1970s and can no longer safety accommodate fully-laden, new-generation container vessels because of insufficient water depth.
The containers presently enter the port partially laden and during the high tide window, creating unsafe operating conditions with the risk that vessels could run aground, according to a summary from the Nemai environmental consulting company which conducted the environmental impact assessment process.
Yesterday, Nemai said the Department of Environmental Affairs had given the green light to the plan.
However, objectors have until February 10 to appeal. And South Durban Community Environmental Alliance activist, Desmond D’Sa, said the organisation would do so.
Daily News