Community benefit the key consideration Dust issue in port is a growing concern
We recently reported on the dust situation at the Port of Richards Bay, where the master of a luxury cruise liner expressed concern over the amount of dust to which his vessel and its passengers were subjected whilst in the harbour.
This, he said, was not merely a matter of inconvenience, but an issue that might cause a rethink as to whether this port might in future be used by passenger liners.
He hastened to add that the location of Richards Bay as a destination for ocean cruisers was ideal, being close to many and varied tourism opportunities for passengers.
And while all parties agreed the present allocation of berths for cruise ships is not ideal – inevitably in the direct path of a dust-bearing northeasterly or south-westerly wind - it’s not a problem that can easily be resolved.
Richards Bay is a bulk import and export harbour, which of necessity involves the stockpiling, handling, moving and loading of products that emit dust.
The port is an ambitious one and has a multi-billion rand expansion programme on the cards that will see additional commodities such as natural gas being accommodated.
The proposed floating dry dock has already been approved.
To find a sheltered corner for a passenger terminal or dedicated berth in a burgeoning port will not be easy, as the priority is definitely on the unique commodities the deep water port can handle, rather than the seasonal gains from cruise liner activities.
Dust issues, however, are not confined to the port precinct.
Those who live in Richards Bay are daily subjected to an unacceptable amount of dust in the air we breathe.
It is becoming an increasing health hazards and medical professionals will attest to the high number of patients who present with problems relating to sinus, throat and chest infections.
Dust-emitting products are stockpiled throughout the town.
Trucks with no tarpaulins covering their loads not only contribute to the dust factor, but also regularly spill their loads on the roadside.
Added to industry dust are the sand from construction sites and the residue from the burning of sugar cane.
Residents and office cleaners in Richards Bay and Empangeni wipe the dust off office and home furniture a few times a day.
Irrespective of the drought situation, stockpiles should be suppressed by some form of dampening.
They should, in the first place, not be allowed anywhere close to residential areas.
We need better planning and better policing. I am aware of the issues and hardship surrounding the future of various clubs in Richards Bay, as well as that of the NSRI (supported entirely by donations), and remember debates within the council and the resultant leases of nine years and eleven months.
I signed many of these documents. Sometimes one should reflect on decisions made in the past, and consider why people who cared about the community, made them.
It should be remembered that:
• Club members are ratepayers, who contribute to the local economy. They should not be expected to pay exorbitant membership fees which will chase people away.
• Clubs and their related sporting activities are essential for a healthy population, physically and mentally.
• Membership of sporting clubs, churches, social groups with diverse interests, as well as community organisations, school committees, and many more create a sense of pride and involvement, which we South Africans should promote.
Allow me to remind decision makers of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. The objectives of local government include the promotion of social and economic development and of a safe and healthy environment.
Many clubs try to remain financially independent of contributions from Council, which should be encouraged.
I doubt that there are any clubs with enough cash to develop their sphere of interest, and all are managed by volunteers.
The fact that clubs might derive income from hiring out facilities is therefore not a bad thing, and in fact, makes each institution reasonably affordable.
However, and in spite of a large budget, this is known to be a concern of officials and some councillors.
Solution
If a solution to this is required, then it lies in a calculated proportion of the clubs’ rates and services to be charged at commercial rates.
Examples of this can be found in the budget.
Running a city is like any business. If one wants a bigger income, look for development. Look after ratepayers.
The Council should also be reminded that sporting events, often driven by sporting bodies, are the best way to market the city. Destroy sport at your peril.
I ask the Municipal Manager to provide details on financial expenditure on sport, including from the mayor’s discretionary allowance, all funded sports days including those for council staff, food, clothing, transport and so on.
Would he please compare this to additional income that is proposed to be levied on certain clubs, so that some perspective can be gained, and provide this for publication in the Zululand Observer.
What is on the short, medium and long term capital budget for the development of sport?
Communities are all important, particularly in our emerging country. This was the primary point I made to Minister Omar when I presented the case for not splitting our community by a toll on the John Ross, and to limit our financial liability, as we had other important considerations.
I cannot say we always agreed, but he was a reasonable man, and recognised that a strong community is a healthy one.
He supported my view in spite of ‘advice’ from his senior officials.
If we want a stronger economy and job creation, be sure that the one question that will be asked before any foreign investment is made, is ‘Why live in uMhlathuze’?
Finally, future development of the waterfront area was always a given.
Expressions of interest had to include a solution to any relocation of any institution, and agreement by all parties, including the financial implications.