DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC ENTERPRISES
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
NCOP
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO.: 280
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 08 June 2012
280. Mr R A Lees (DA-KZN) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:
(1) Whether, with regard to pump station number 5 on the New Multi-Product
Pipeline (NMPP) from Durban to Gauteng situated outside Ladysmith in
KwaZulu-Natal, all the visual and noise mitigation measures as determined
by the (a) Development Tribunal established in terms of the Development
Facilitation Act, Act 67 of 1995, (b) Environmental Management Plan and (c)
agreements reached with the local community have been adhered to; if not,
why not; if so, what (i) visual and noise mitigation measures were put in
place and (ii) are the further relevant details;
(2) Whether the mitigation measures include the (a) construction of an
embankment around the pump station site, (b) planting of trees and shrubs
on the embankment around the pump station site in order to screen the pump
station from sight and (c) installation of light fittings where they are
(i) visible from outside and/or (ii) external to the buildings (details
furnished); if so, what are the relevant details in each case;
(3) Whether a bursary trust has been established for learners at the
neighbouring schools in this regard; if not, why not; if so, what (a) are
the terms of the trust deed, (b) is the total number of learners who will
benefit annually, (c) are the benefits that will accrue to each learner
each year, (d) amount has been donated by Transnet NMPP to continue to fund
the trust in future years and (e) are the further relevant details;
(4) Whether any facilities at the neighbouring schools have been improved
and/or upgraded; if not, why not; if so, what are the details of the
improvements made to the school facilities;
(5) Whether the improvements are suitable for purposes of standards of
excellence for learner education; if not, why not; if so, what are the
relevant details? CW378E
Reply:
(1)(a-c)(i-ii) Most of the visual and noise mitigation measures have been
addressed.
In line with the legislation and agreements with the local community the
following mitigation measures were addressed:
Visual Mitigation
⢠The aesthetics of the pump house buildings have been addressed to
reduce their visual impact, this included appropriate colours to match
the surrounds and keeping all buildings to a maximum of double story.
Noise Mitigation
⢠The pump station has been enclosed with acoustic attenuation.
Lighting Mitigation
The lighting at the pump station has been redesigned to mitigate light
spill, and it includes;
⢠Security lighting at the perimeter of the site has been reduced to a
minimum height;
⢠All external lights have been adjusted to face inward and downward;
⢠External lights on buildings have been placed on timing and motion
sensors; and
⢠Essential lights in the operational area will be operated as and when
required without compromising Security and Occupational Health &
Safety requirements.
(2)(a) Currently there is no embankment around the pump station site.
Transnet is currently reviewing specialistâs recommendation (proposed
height of 5m embankment) and the feasibility thereof.
(b) Transnet is currently investigating the feasibility of planting trees
around the pump station. The trees shall not compromise the security and
fire risk of the pump station. A row of trees will be planted along the N3
road reserve parallel to the pump station perimeter fence as agreed with
SANRAL.
(c) (i-ii) The lighting at the pump station has been redesigned to mitigate
light spill. This includes:
⢠Security lighting at the perimeter of the site that has been reduced
to a minimum height;
⢠All external lights that have been adjusted to face inward and
downward ; and
⢠External lights on buildings that have been placed on time and motion
sensors.
(3)(a-e) Currently a Bursary Trust has not been established for learners at
the neighbouring schools. However, Transnet may investigate the
establishment of such a trust through its Corporate Social Investment unit.
(4) The following facilities at neighbouring schools have been improved
and/or upgraded:
Middledale Primary School
The school has received the following at the request of the Headmaster:
⢠Two Container classrooms;
⢠Re-grade and grassing of soccer pitch;
⢠Goal Posts and nets;
⢠Lawnmower;
⢠Blackboards;
⢠Sandpit;
⢠New vegetable garden;
⢠Netball Posts;
⢠Main entrance newly graveled;
⢠Two full sets of soccer kits;
⢠Classroom furniture;
⢠Kitchen Equipment; and
⢠Two new brick and mortar classrooms and a kitchen, which will be
constructed shortly after the completion of the tender processes.
Bluebank Primary School
The tender for the following facilities at the above school is currently in
process:
⢠Toilet facilities for boys and girls;
⢠A new sports field; and
⢠Fencing and gates
The Ladysmith Youth Group was provided with two full sets of soccer kits.
(5) The improvements are suitable for the standards of excellence for
learner education and are being done at the request of the relevant
parties.