Fuel Pipeline to Reduce Truck Traffic, But Cut Through Farms

A fuel pipeline being built between Durban and Heidelberg is hoped to reduce truck congestion on local roads, but clearing the right of way will disrupt many rural farming communities along the path of the 555km pipeline.

Durban motorists frustrated by the number of trucks on the city's roads are set for some relief, with Transnet promising that fuel tanker traffic will decrease by 60 percent.

The decrease will be felt after the completion of a R12,7-billion multi-fuel pipeline between Durban and Heidelberg in Gauteng.

However, farming communities in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly at KwaMakhuta and Umbumbulu, could have their crops damaged or be prevented from planting to accommodate construction of the 555km pipeline. Homes will not be affected and no community will be relocated.

This is according to the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report on the project. The report states that all people affected during construction, which is expected to be completed by December 2011, will be compensated.

Source:
Relief for Durban motorists
The Star
May 11, 2009