Residents of Elaleni Coastal Forest Estate are raising serious health concerns over dust pollution from the construction site of the neighbouring Coral Cove Senior Living Estate.

Managed by Auria Senior Living and overseen by SIP Project Managers, the project has been a source of contention for the past 10 months, with some residents claiming non-compliance with dust control regulations (‘Red dust uproar’, Courier, 29 November).

Auria CEO Barry Kaganson denies the allegations, asserting that all required dust control measures in the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) have been implemented.

“We have implemented a range of dust control measures, including the use of 18,000-litre water tankers daily since April this year, hydro-seeding via drone, use of emulsions, and the erection of a 3m-high dust fence along the site perimeter. We remain open to feedback from residents and continuously adapt our strategies to address their concerns.” He said it was not feasible to plant grass in active construction areas.

Despite these assurances, several families have decided to leave Elaleni, citing health risks, particularly to children. Resident Vahin Gounden, whose four-month-old daughter has a pre-existing respiratory condition, said persistent dust worsened her health, forcing them to terminate their lease early.

“We are forfeiting most of our deposit, but we cannot risk her health,” said Gounden.

Resident Gen Ollemans’ 18-month-old daughter has been hospitalised three times in six months.

“She has asthma now, and while her illness stems from a virus, the dust exacerbates her condition,” said Ollemans.

Ryan Turner, another resident, reported that his son has developed respiratory and other health issues since the family moved to Elaleni in September.

“The excessive dust aggravates symptoms like hay fever. If things do not improve, we will have to move for our family’s health,” he said. Dust, classified as particulate matter (PM), poses significant health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

The 2020 Global Burden of Disease Study linked particulate matter to more than six million deaths worldwide in 2019. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable.

Resident and Yellow Tree Environmental managing director, Sean Charteris, has accused Auria of failing to adhere to the EMP, citing evidence of improper soil management and non-compliance.

“The EMP mandates strict dust control, but photographic evidence shows violations,” said Charteris, whose company compiled a Dust Management Plan for Coral Cove.

iLembe district air quality officer Ravind Lawton of Environmental Affairs, said the site had been evaluated for compliance and the findings forwarded to provincial authorities. Should non-compliance be confirmed, the R800-million development could face a shutdown.

Residents are urging swift action to address the dust issue, emphasising the need for stricter controls to protect their health and well-being.

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