Time for a ‘halt’ on new development

Isn’t it a beautiful aerial view over the pristine wildlife habitat between Umhlanga and Umdloti – now called the “New Sibaya development” that was on the front page of the Courier (New Sibaya development, August 14)?

How sad and short sighted it is, that in this same pristine habitat a proposed multi-million rand development will take place and you have Tongaat Hulett, developers and estate agents, star-struck with “$ signs” in their eyes. Oblivious to the fact that they are all about to destroy this habitat.

Those precious grounds with low shrubs are vital link for all kinds of animals between the forests. That green belt from Umhlanga all the way out to Umdloti should be spared from projects such as these in order that we actively conserve what is left of our precious fauna and flora.

Even when Tongaat Hulett say they will rehabilitate with indigenous plants, it will never be pristine again. It is a great pity that nature has no lobby as soon as “big money” is involved!

It is time that Tongaat Hulett, a well-established company, gave something back to the natural environments that they are intent on destroying. How about building on the opposite side of the M4 in the sugarcane fields and “rehabilitate” those grounds after building. From there one will be able to offer not one but two pristine views: out to the ocean and over a pristine, untouched wildlife habitat!

In the article you write that Tongaat Hulett will be responsible for the electricity and water connection. This, Mr. Editor, will not be a Tongaat Hulett responsibility but will be the responsibility of our good old friend Eskom and the water will come from a dam that is currently struggling to sustain the existing demand to Umhlanga, Umdloti and surrounding areas.

Wouldn’t it be more practical and wise to maybe put a “halt” to this proposed project and rethink first, if this habitat really should be destroyed to feed the ego’s of people and second if it would not be better to wait with building until the basic necessities like power and water are put in place to sustain such a development?

BRUNI AMMANN

Umdloti