Durban company flouts environmental regulations, slapped with 7.5 mil fine
A Durban-based housing company's been ordered to pay a 7.5 million rand fine for flouting environmental rules.
Prosecutors say Woodglaze Trading dumped gravel in an area in Phoenix, polluting the environment and causing parts of a wetland to erode.
The company pleaded guilty before the Durban Regional Court to two counts of contravening the National Environmental Management Act.
Land that it purchased from eThekwini Municipality in 2012 - was meant to be developed for low-cost houses for disadvantaged communities.
The NPA's Natasha Kara says the company filled a wetland with gravel and rubble to build platforms for the homes. She says this led to pollution and erosion.
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"The Director of Public Prosecution welcomes the conviction and sentencing in the matter. Preservation of the environment is vital and of national focus."
The company's been reportedly linked to Durban businessman, Jay Singh who died last year.
His company, Gralio Precast, was the contractor responsible for the construction of the Tongaat Mall - which collapsed in 2013, killing two people.
