A new 200m stretch of ClearVu fence hugging the wall of iconic Orient Pier was defended as non-existent by Transnet’s East London port manager Sphiwe Mthembu.
Mthembu denied there was any additional fencing, stressing that they were bound by “law and policy to replace the existing fence”.
However, he said: “As part of this comprehensive infrastructure renewal, controlled access points are being established in strategic locations where gates were not previously installed … to enhance security management … in accordance with port operational requirements.”
Mthembu indicated that all “new fencing” would follow their exact perimeter.
Environmentalists and community leader Dean Knox last week spoke publicly at the Gonubie Estuary and Marine Community’s dinner with legends of Transnet’s future plans to extend the Western Wall by hundreds of metres into the ocean and build a new pier from the Eastern Beach area.
These plans were on the cash-strapped Transnet's website.
But the fence next to Orient Pier continues to be erected.
After two weeks, Transnet replied to questions and eyewitness observations of this reporter.
Off Track: What consideration was given to the visual impact of a security fence alongside a vintage, pier?
TNPA: TNPA has undertaken comprehensive planning to minimise the visual impact … particularly in consideration of its proximity to the historically significant Orient Pier.
The new security fencing has been designed to follow the exact alignment of the existing perimeter to avoid any additional visual intrusion into the heritage environment.
In alignment with maintaining the required security protocols, mesh-style fencing has been selected wherever operationally feasible to preserve open sightlines and maintain the aesthetic character of the Orient Pier area.
Off Track: What consideration was given to the excessive duplication of fencing at the time when Transnet is under scrutiny for fencing corruption following state capture findings?
TNPA: This project involves the replacement of existing TNPA perimeter fencing rather than the installation of additional fencing infrastructure.
The current fencing system is being renewed as part of essential maintenance and infrastructure upgrading requirements to ensure continued operational effectiveness.
The infrastructure upgrade has been planned to fulfil security obligations while respecting the cultural and recreational importance of the Orient Pier precinct.
No indigenous plants have been destroyed during this project.
Off Track: Is there an environmental authorisation in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (Nema) or other applicable legislation?
TNPA: The installation of the fence is classified as a linear activity that falls below the threshold requirements specified in Nema, 2014, and therefore does not require an environmental impact assessment (EIA).
However, during the screening process conducted in 2019, it was identified that indigenous vegetation would need to be removed.
To ensure full compliance … TNPA co-ordinated a site visit with officials from the department of forestry, fisheries and the environment, biodiversity division, prior to commencing the search and rescue operations.
This vegetation has been carefully relocated to a designated nursery facility.
Off Track: What consultation was there with Waves for Change, who said they did not know the contractor was coming?
The TLB was so close to the surfboards and gear that the driver was picking branches and leaves off the boards. Staff had to move their vehicles, pack their equipment and opted to leave.
TNPA: Prior to project commencement, TNPA conducted comprehensive consultations with all identified stakeholders, and in this regard with particular focus on stakeholders based in East London.
Off Track: They were close to the TLB and tipper truck and there appeared to be no regard for public safety.
TNPA: Safety remains TNPA’s foremost priority throughout all project activities.
To ensure the highest safety standards are maintained, TNPA has appointed a qualified health and safety officer who maintains a continuous daily presence on-site.
Off Track: What consultation was there with anyone at this site, which is already fenced off with a new, patrolled fence clearly separating the port from Orient Pier and beach and everyone who uses this pay beach with its many recreational and sports activities?
TNPA: TNPA is undertaking the replacement of an existing deteriorated fence that has reached the end of its operational life and no longer provides adequate security protection.
The new security infrastructure will be installed along the exact alignment of the current fence, with no expansion into previously unfenced areas or encroachment onto public spaces.
Daily Dispatch
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