THE piece of land where the Boma is to be found has been closed off and left in a state of disrepair since a fire damaged the property about four years ago.
“This is in my ward and it has been a huge concern to me and to all the residents of New Redruth, as it has been standing empty and neglected for many years,” says Alderman Bruna Haipel.
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“I have regularly been asking about any progress made with the resolution of this case. That area is prime land with natural vegetation, and according to the contract, was supposed to be open to the public so they could enjoy walking there.
“New Redruth is an area which has been densified and does not have any other green areas.
“It could also be a place of entertainment as well as generating revenue for the metro,” adds Alderman Haipel.
The public is wondering why no decision has been made regarding this.
The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) owns the land. It leased the property out to a second party who legally leased it to a third party who in turn allegedly leased it to a fourth party illegally.
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According to Derek Gouws, property officer for the EMM, the council has instituted legal action against the party who illegally sub-leased it, for payment of arrears of rates and taxes as well as interest and costs with regards to outstanding water, electricity, refuse and waste services in respect of Portion 6 of Erf 994 New Redruth.
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“A proposal to settle the matter and a settlement agreement was presented to the city manager for signature, who then requested further information, and the matter was referred back to legal, finance and the council’s attorneys. The legal process has to run its course before we can determine how to proceed,” said Gouws.
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