The controversial R1-billion Kenton Eco Estate, which has been delayed since public appeals were lodged against it in October, has been given the go-ahead to continue.

Estate chairman Derrick Minnie said on Monday that Economic Affairs MEC Mbulelo Sogoni had called a meeting in Port Elizabeth on Thursday at which he gave the go-ahead.

Minnie said that the project, which already had several conditions on its Record of Decision (ROD), had had further conditions added, such as the establishment of an independently chaired environmental committee.

"Our ROD is quite onerous, but we don't see that as a negative thing, we see it as positive, because it means this will be a genuine eco estate," Minnie said.

The estate, situated in a high priority conservation zone, will feature 330 homes on 289 hectares of land.

Minnie said that compared to other developments, this one was "not very dense" and was a "much-needed development" for the province.

Minnie said the Kenton Eco Estate would bring over R1-billion in investment into the area, create up to an estimated 2,000 jobs during the construction phase and many permanent jobs once the estate was operational.

The developers will also upgrade the Kenton-on-Sea desalination plant to allow for the development, as well as cater to parts of the local community.

The Kenton area has experienced severe water shortages over the past year.

"The environmental issues have been very important to us, and we have followed the correct processes religiously," Minnie said.

Seven appeals were lodged against the estate, mostly by residents in the area.

Minnie said that certain aspects of the development would require approval from the correct authorities, but that construction was expected to begin around June 1.

Attempts to contact provincial economic affairs, environment and tourism spokesman Sibongile Mgudlwa were unsuccessful.

Eastern Province Herald