Mental wellness clinic under fire
The Life Healthcare group is proposing the development of a mental welness clinic at Brackendowns centre. If you wish to object read the article to get more details.
ALBERTON- Not many Alberton residents are aware of the fact that a mental wellness clinic is planned for the corner of Rae Frankel and De Waal streets, at the Brackendowns Shopping Centre.
Joao Lopes, one of the protestors against the proposed development, is upset that the site meeting is on November 3, at 09:15, at the centre, and the hearing where people can raise their objections is at 11:00 in the morning, in Germiston, also on November 3. Anyone who wants to object has to pay R50 to receive an agenda.
“As a citizen of this area, and as a tax payer, I would like to know why this meeting is held during working hours and the reason why we have to pay? This is a residential area, and we are against it because we feel that it is not the appropriate place for a mental wellness clinic. We feel that we need a functional shopping centre and entertainment for the young people. An ice rink, ten pin bowling, even movies would give the community a lift. There really is nothing for young people to do in the area.”
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The little shopping centre is slowly dying and only four tenants are still left.
The Life Healthcare Group has submitted an offer to purchase but it is subject to successful rezoning and Department of Health license approvals. The proposed development comprises of an 80-bed wellness hospital, focusing on the rehabilitation of patients with lifestyle-related mental or physical health disorders. Life Healthcare Group already has six similar specialist hospitals located in residential areas around Gauteng.
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The RECORD made contact with the possible buyers and received comment from Sagran Sukhessan, regional manager, East Region, Life Healthcare Group, who explained the current situation in terms of licensing and rezoning. “There were a number of objections from members of the public which meant that rezoning was referred to a tribunal in order for council to take a decision on the matter. The tribunal sat for the first time on September 11 and the matter was postponed to November 3. There was a site visit undertaken on the morning of September 11, so I am unsure if there will be another one on November 3. If there is, I certainly will be attending. We have not been granted a license as yet. We have appealed the matter and are still awaiting the outcome of our appeal from the Department of Health.”
The community is free to be part of the site visit at 09:15 (at the centre) and the hearing at 11:00 on November 3 at the Old Council Chambers in Germiston, corner of Cross and Rose streets.
All objections must be in writing and 20 copies must be made available to the committee. For more information regarding the meeting procedures which have to be followed, please contact Yvonne van Deventer on 011 999 4038 or email her at yvonnevandeventer@ekurhuleni.gov.za
At the time of going to print, no comment had been received from EMM as to why the meeting is being held in the morning, during working hours, and why members of the public have to pay to attend the hearing.
