Durban: For generations, Clairwood has been home to families, businesses, and places of worship that have shaped its unique identity.

Now, residents fear that the proposed logistics park, set to transform the area, will erase this deep-rooted history and replace it with an industrial landscape that prioritises commerce over community.

EThekwini Municipality has initiated consultations to amend the Land Use Scheme in Clairwood to Special Zone 40: Logistics, a move intended to align with the Local Area Plan (LAP) adopted in 2014.

The City has invited public participation, allowing residents and business owners a 60-day period to submit their feedback before the April 8 deadline.

According to Lihle Phewa, head of the Development Planning and Environmental Management Unit, the amendment aims to create “a quality environment in line with the City’s vision” and provide a framework for evaluating future development applications.

However, the proposal has sparked concerns among long-time residents and business owners, who are worried about the impact on their community.

Several local business owners have voiced their concerns, arguing that they were not adequately consulted.

Ramoll Bugwandeen, owner of the Moon Hotel in South Coast Road, described the process as “clandestine” and lacking transparency.

“We are an old established business for the last 65 years. Unfortunately, our business is a victim of poor town planning from the previous apartheid administration to the current ANC-led government, which has failed the people of Clairwood,” Bugwandeen said.

He stressed the importance of a mixed-use development that accommodates both residents and logistics businesses, given the area’s proximity to the port.

Ridhwaan Osman, a resident of Clairwood, is opposed to the transformation of Clairwood into a logistics hub.

“It is a historical area. My parents and grandparents lived here. We have religious organisations, mosques, graveyards, and schools that all have historical links to the residents,” Osman said.

He accused the municipality of neglecting the area.

“We were forcibly declared a slum area because of City council neglect. They have let us down in all spheres of economic activity. Now they are looking to benefit from an economically poor area like Clairwood,” he said.

Business owner Mohammed Mansoor, who runs Mansoor Wholesalers in Sirdar Road, said logistics parks are not labour-intensive and could reduce employment opportunities.

“While it will create a certain number of job opportunities, logistics generally is not one of the high employment areas in our country. Manufacturing, which was what Clairwood was mainly occupied with in the past, provided more jobs,” Mansoor explained.

The City has defended the proposal, stating that the development will be regulated under the masterplan and zoning controls. According to Phewa, the logistics park will include complementary facilities such as residential spaces, parks, worship sites, offices, and restaurants, forming a “Freight Village Concept”.

“It is important to record that the outcome of this process will not result in any development rights being granted to the subject properties, rather a development framework that will serve as the masterplan from which to assess and evaluate development applications,” Phewa said.

He reassured residents that the municipality is “not rezoning land” but rather establishing guidelines for development.

THE MERCURY