Earthworks begin near protected swallow roost despite lack of approvals

Mount Moreland residents have raised red flags over a proposed cement manufacturing plant after earthworks began within a kilometre of the globally recognised Mount Moreland barn swallow roosting site.

Mount Moreland homeowner Peter Hucklesby said residents were deeply concerned about the potential impact that dust emissions from the plant could have on the barn swallows.

He said the community’s concerns also included the area’s status as an environmentally sensitive conservancy, possible dust pollution affecting nearby homes and the risk of contamination of the Umdloti River, which borders the proposed site and feeds downstream into the La Mercy Lagoon estuary.

Increased traffic volumes on the narrow dirt access road into and out of Mount Moreland were also raised as a concern.

eThekwini municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana confirmed that the property owner had begun earthworks for a proposed cement manufacturing plant without construction approval.

She said the land is currently zoned as a land-use management holding area, where only agricultural use is permitted and that any alternative land use would require an application for special consent.

However, to date, the municipality has not received any formal application for special consent or rezoning, both of which require compulsory public participation processes. Sisilana said the municipality’s Land Use Management Directorate has also not received any environmental studies, nor applications for a full Environmental Impact Assessment or an Atmospheric Emission Licence in relation to the proposed development.

“The only engagement received from the property owner has been a telephonic enquiry regarding a proposed ready-mix plant,” said Sisilana.

A title deed search revealed that the land is owned by the Calvin Family Trust, which serves as the controlling entity of the Calvin and Family Group. According to the group’s website, the company operates across several sectors, including security, construction, property development, logistics, manufacturing and hospitality and lists Calvin Mathibeli as its founder and sole group chairman.

A Courier enquiry on whether the proposed cement manufacturing plant has the necessary zoning, environmental approvals and operating licences remained unanswered at the time of publication.

eThekwini municipality ActionSA PR councillor Saul Basckin criticised the apparent by-law contraventions and possible infringements of national legislation, describing them as unacceptable. He said he would apply pressure on the relevant authorities to ensure enforcement and consequence management. Ward 58 councillor and Democratic Alliance representative Geoff Pullan also voiced his opposition to the plant.

Municipal law enforcement officials and police have visited the site on at least three occasions over the past two weeks and ordered work to stop; however, earthworks have reportedly continued.