LISTEN: Ekurhuleni forges ahead with Mayberry low-cost housing development

SOON after the RECORD was distributed last week, MMC for Human Settlements, councillor Lesiba Mpya posted on social media that the story, ‘No space for RDP housing’ was fake news.

The article was published on the front page of the RECORD on June 5 after a community meeting where Mpya addressed the community of Ward 94.

In his post he describes the article as: “Fake news riddled with distortions, we will not retreat in giving our people decent houses, poor people also deserve to live in the burbs near their places of work where their children can play … integrated communities loading haak azilime ziyethen!!!” (meaning: ‘we are going to do it forcefully’).

Nhlanhla Cebekhulu, divisional head: Communication and Media Relations for the The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) in a statement on June 7 said: “The City of Ekurhuleni rejects the Alberton RECORD’s article published on June 5 headlined ‘No Space for RDP housing’”.

The statement further states that the article misleadingly asserts that Mpya “agreed” to halt the process of a proposed RDP project in Mayberry Park, when in fact he agreed to further discuss with the elected ward steering committee and captains of industry in the area in an attempt to find common ground.

It further states that despite the fact that the City is open to engagements, the project will go ahead after considering the inputs from the affected stakeholders. This move is informed by the City’s pro-poor stance and the overwhelming housing needs.

“We must further correct the misconception that I have undertaken to stop a housing development in the interest of building factories and bonded houses,” Mpya said.

It is made clear in the statement that the project, boasting a mixed typology, will yield a total of 3 900 units in Mayberry Park, and that it will provide relief to families who need housing.

In the statement the City acknowledges petitions against the project, however, it remains committed to engage with all stakeholders until common ground is found and the project remains part of the City’s unwavering commitment to deliver on 100 000 houses and 59 service stands.

Promises of smoke and mirrors

Ward councillor Marina van Wyk told the RECORD that bullying and grandstanding is the only way she can describe that which is appallingly evolving regarding the proposed RDP development.

“At the public meeting held on May 28 in the Bracken park Community Hall, Mpya told an audience of about 2 000 people that he will put the project on hold and that he will engage with the Community Steering Committee to find solutions,” she said.

During the meeting, residents of Mayberry Park, and surrounding suburbs, made it clear that this development that will devalue their properties is unacceptable.

“The meeting was broadcast live and audio recordings are available,” she said.

“Unfortunately it would look like the promise to listen to the people is just smoke and mirrors. The beneficiaries of the project was already identified and registered in the beginning of the year,” van Wyk said.

According to van Wyk, Portion 57 of the Farm Palmietfontein, earmarked for the development, is not yet proclaimed. “Building plans cannot be submitted and certainly not approved given the current circumstances. Further to this the proposed development does not comply with the conditions to be complied with prior to the declaration of the township as an approved township.”

She further explained that the proposed development will comprise four stories whereas the conditions clearly states three stories.

“Phase one of the RDP development is proposed alongside Hennie Alberts Street next to the Waste Transfer Station that is not in use at the moment, however, there is still a building restriction of 400m around it valid until the transfer station is decommissioned. There is no immediate plan to decommission the transfer station. The list goes on.”

Van Wyk also stated that Mayberry Park is not an economic hub, it has no shopping centres, schools, health clinics and is sorely lacking a satellite SAPS precinct.

“There is no plan on the table to develop industry or business despite the fact that Portion 173 of the same farm is already proclaimed and zoned for industry and business. It is mind boggling that in a country where unemployment is at an all-time high the authorities seem to have absolutely no interest in facilitating the establishment of industry and business in the area. Is this a ploy to keep the poor, poor?” she said.

“One can only wonder on how the authorities determined the location for this proposed development as there are certainly other more appropriated spaces available for example Roodekop Extension 31, this suburb which is underdeveloped is close to very large already established industries, within walking distance, where the possibility of finding employment is 100 percent higher than in Mayberry Park where the possibility is closer to zero,” van Wyk said.

Residents of Mayberry Park and surrounding areas are standing unbent, developments that will uplift the area, increase property values and enhance their lifestyle is very welcome.

LISTEN: 

ALSO READ:

WATCH: Mayberry Park RDP housing proposal put on ice

Mayberry Park residents don’t want RDP housing

MMC to meet with Mayberry Park about proposed RDP development

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