02 Jul 2015

The ongoing plans to establish the SADC Regional Logistics Depot near Rasesa in Kgatleng District has been received with apprehension.

Mochudi residents made their opinions known on Friday during a kgotla meeting addressed by the SADC Regional Logistics Depot Project management team.

One speaker, Mr Ramonogana Madisa expressed worries over the hazardous waste which would be produced at the site, saying it would negatively impact their health and livestock.

He noted that there is a likelihood of oil leakage, which will contaminate the underground water in the area. Mr Madisa asked if the project would create jobs for the Bakgatla community.

He added that the reason that the company would not build houses at the sites showed that there are dangers that come with hosting the project.

Another resident, Mr Sello Molefe complained that the community was not consulted when the project started.

He said there is nothing the tribe can do as SADC had already been allocated the land for the depot.

Another speaker, Mr Roy Thekiso said there is little that the community can contribute to the discussion as SADC is failing to intervene between the tribe and government over their paramount chief.

Ms Kelebogile Phefo welcomed the development and said the about 200 personnel will rent their houses hence they will reap from renting their houses.

Further she expressed optimism that their children would be employed during the construction of the project.

Earlier during the presentation, Dr Kutlwano Mulale, a consultant engaged by SADC to conduct the Environmental Impact Assessment Survey said the Regional Logistics Depot would be used by all SADC member states.

He noted that the depot will be used as a storage facility to assist during crisis such as wars and natural tragedies such as floods.

Dr Mulale said the depot would store oil, firefighting equipment and other relief assisting equipment.

He said about 200 people would be stationed at the depot after its completion and added that there will be no staff houses.

In addition, he said they anticipate that the project construction will among others have both negative and positive impact in the lives of the people in the surroundings.

The project coordinator Colonel Nehemia Dipela assured the community that the project would adhere to best standards in disposing hazardous waste. Ends