A plan by U.S.-listed Equinix to build two data centers in Cape Town faces a formal objection from community groups over environmental concerns.
The Housing Assembly (HA) and UK non-profit Foxglove argue the application cannot be approved without full disclosure of water, power, and environmental impact.
"There is simply not enough information for a decision on a project of this scale," said Rosa Curling of Foxglove, citing lack of detail on water use, emissions, electricity demand, diesel generators, air pollution, noise, and buildings.
The project's combined power usage could reach 160 megawatts. Water demand is particularly critical given Cape Town's history of scarcity, including the 2017-2018 'Day Zero' drought.
Equinix, which already operates a Johannesburg site with 100% renewable energy, declined to comment. The landowner and Equinix have 30 days to respond, with the city having 180 days to decide.
