Experts addressed community members last night, regarding the Linksfield Mixed Use Development proposal.
The meeting took place at the Edenvale Community Centre.
According to the ward 19 councillor for Edenvale, Clr Bill Rundle, the meeting was in the interests of the community’s well-being.
“The priority of the meeting was to inform residents of the arising implications of the development,” said Clr Rundle.
“It was also to take objections based on the environmental impact studies,” he said.
The matter was about a mixed income housing development at the Sizwe Linksfield Fever Hospital site.
The NEWS previously published that the proposed development at this site raised concerns of health issues as well as traffic congestion.
Residents also claimed they were not informed about the plans for the development.
Residents were asked to fill in objection forms at the meeting.
Clr Rundle arranged for expert speakers to explain the effects the development could have on the neighbouring areas.
“We are not officials so we do not have answers to your questions, but here tonight are expert speakers to inform us all of the consequences that the development may have,” said Clr Rundle.
Ms Naomi Dinur, an expert in graves and heritage, gave insight on the site.
“There are a number of reasons why residents should object to this development project,” she said.
According to Ms Dinur, there are also rare grass species on the land as well as on the river banks.
“It is one of the only places in Gauteng that still has its original, natural habitat. The flora on the land includes rare species of grass and plant life that needs to be protected,” said Ms Dinur.
“The fauna includes lizards, snails and other animals that are only found at this site,” she said.
She also discussed the issue about the graves and the people who died from a range of diseases who were treated at the Sizwe Hospital.
“The graves found at the site are for people who were treated and who died from serious diseases,” she said.
“More importantly, there is no security. Digging up the graves to build on-site will not cause an outbreak of these diseases,” said Ms Dinur.
“It would take one fresh corpse to kill us all, as the diseases of those who died can survive up to 250 years,” she said.
Another expert on the laws pertaining to graves, Dr Robert Fuller, stated that it would cost millions of Rands to detect all the graves found at the site.
“I have been to attorneys to inquire about the laws of penetrating graves,” he said.
“I was told that the only way to investigate graves is by using ground penetrating radar. In essence, it is not possible for the developers to dig up graves without the proper documentation and assistance,” said Dr Fuller.
A health, safety and environmental consultant, Ms Bianca Jutan, also explained the possible objections according to section three of the Environmental Authorisation.
“The section explains that certain areas are designated and have to have a fence around it. For this reason, the hospital cannot be demolished,” she said.
“If we do put low cost housing on this site, how can we be sure that the families will look after themselves and the graves they are surrounded by?” asked Ms Jutan.
Her concerns include whether the people who will live there would be able to protect themselves from detecting diseases or maintaining the indigenous plant and animal life.
According to Ms Jutan, Bokamoso has ticked all the legal boxes but there are unclear issues regarding the documentation of the fauna and flora as well as the possible diseases that may affect the community.
“People, ask yourselves all these questions and object in adherence to the Environmental Authorisation,” she said.
Clr Rundle read a letter from the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL), which has also objected to the development plans and stated that the N3 highway will not be able to sustain the traffic congestion without the necessary upgrades to support it.
Clr Rundle assured the community that he is not against social and economic growth, but that he is against the manner in which the development was proposed.
“Nobody in their right mind objects to growth but it has been done with a dismissive attitude,” he said.
The community is urged to contact Clr Rundle via email with regards to the objection forms at sehlorabrokers@gmail.com
Residents attending the Linksfield Sizwe Development meeting in Edenvale being addressed by Clr Bill Rundle. pic.twitter.com/u35NKRM2eF
— heather hart (@heatherhart3) June 29, 2015
#LinksfieldDevelopment Bill Rundle anyone with knowledge please assist at any time. Come forward to assist our objection.
— Sasha-lee (@Lee_Solomons23) June 29, 2015
#LinksfieldDevelopment Rundle, let’s consider the family’s who have family members in those graves
— Sasha-lee (@Lee_Solomons23) June 29, 2015
