Durban is planning to remove residents of Clairwood and numerous factories to build two multibillion-rand dig-out ports, the Mercury reported on Thursday.
The eThekwini municipality and Vancometrics Economics Consultancy's Jon van Coller said in a report that the venture would provide an opportunity to reposition KwaZulu-Natal as the major trading gateway to Africa.
They said the ports would give Durban a “fresh start” to redesign outdated infrastructure, unclog traffic problems and improve industrial efficiency.
The ports would be located at the old airport and at bayhead.
Factories near the Durban harbour would be persuaded to move with financial incentives.
A meeting between city officials and residents of Clairwood to discuss the plans for the port, which would affect about 5300
residents, had been postponed.
According to the Mercury, residents oppose the plans and said the city was rushing the process which could affect their lives.
Clairwood has several schools, temples, and graveyards dating back 100 years. - Sapa