The Future of Umdloti

There is a lot of concern regarding the potential environmental impact of the Sibaya Precinct development on the conservancies surrounding Umdloti. Last week's media breakfast tried to shed some light on how Umdloti is positioning itself as a jewel amidst this future North Coast development.

Last year Tongaat Hulett opened a new chapter in its land conversion activities, with the appointment of Savills (UK) in association with 5th Avenue and the Pam Golding Property Group, to launch Sibaya nodes one and five, real estate opportunities to an international market.

The Sibaya mixed use development is in the fast-growing and well-established northern development corridor, with 180 degree sea views, a backdrop of extensive natural coastal forests and within easy reach of the King Shaka International Airport.

The development possibilities for the first two Sibaya nodes include major new resorts in conjunction with lifestyle residential accommodation, offices and developments suited to the leisure and hospitality industry, including hotels, conference and entertainment facilities, retail and recreation facilities.

Tongaat Hulett's vision is to link up Umdloti and Umhlanga keeping the pristine forest between us. Said Sithembiso Mthembu. We envisage Sibaya as a play-live-work lifestyle development that will bring together the best of urban and natural environments. The conservancy line has been defined ? there is now a forest buffer.

Speaking about the concern of keeping an authentic boutique style village experience for the residents, as well as the holiday makers, Terry Ann Rens stressed the need to work together with Tongaat Hulett Group to address the challenges of overcrowding and pollution which come with such a huge development. Development is bound to happen, so we want to be proactive and partner with Tongaat Hulett to make it beneficial for all parties.

Sibaya is situated within an emerging aerotropolis, and there is an appreciation of the vast socio-economic needs in this broader region. Tongaat Hulett is hoping that the new international investment in Sibaya will provide a substantial boost to the area.

It was encouraging to see the concern displayed by Umdloti residents and representatives of UIP and their genuine coming together with Tongaat Hulett, to secure the relevance and the future of this beloved coastal village.