Alarms raised over billboard’s construction in Highway Gardens
“The city acknowledged the billboard was illegal and had received no application,”
Residents and ward councillors raised concerns after the installation of a large billboard structure along Minuach Road.
Erected near the intersection of Minuach Road and Partridge Avenue, the structure, located in Highway Gardens, was described as a mega billboard by the Clr of Ward 18 Ald Heather Hart.
She pointed out that three municipal street trees near the billboard had to be cut down.
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“I am aghast that anyone would go to the extent of erecting a structure like this without ascertaining whether it would be lawful,” said Hart.
She added companies constructing such structures should know they needed applications.
Ward 92 Clr Kade Guerreiro said at the start of September, residents in the area started complaining that a large structure was being erected.
“It was reported to the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE), informing them we believed the structure to be an illegal billboard.
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“The city acknowledged the billboard was illegal and they received no application,” said Guerreiro.
According to Guerreiro, the property in question is not zoned for business.
“On September 13, the city issued a notice to cease building, halt all activities and engage with the municipality.”
Guerreiro emphasised no one is against advertising. However, the community wants things done legitimately.
“If this was legitimate, the city would be made aware. The city would approach me as the councillor and request my input.
“I would then do public participation meetings and the community at large could also be able to provide their input.”
Guerreiro said another concern is the area surrounding the R24 forms part of an extreme weather belt.
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“This is why we have attenuation dams and infrastructure to manage that.
Guerreiro questioned if the structure was up to code and was compliant.
“Our concern with this is the rainy and storm season is almost here. All I need is for the billboard, land on the highway or someone’s property.
He said overall the community of Highway Gardens is not happy with the situation.
“We understand that the R24 corridor is exceptionally busy; this is a lucrative highway.”
Guerreiro said between Barbara Road Bridge and Edenvale Road Bridge there are 40 billboards.
“One concern brought up by the community and businesses is that there is so much signage, when does the resident have time to look at the road?”
Resident Rishi Thakurdin, who has lived in the community for 30 years says, “What I object to is the visual pollution of this billboard.”
Thakurdin decided to live in Highway Garden because it was clean, neat, and orderly and now we have haphazard buildings all over the area.
“They are unsightly. I am upset that bylaws have not been enforced.
“I have no objection to advertising so long as it is done in a neat, tasteful manner and that we as a community are consulted.
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Fellow resident Tanya Peers said: “It’s heartbreaking to know that someone can erect a structure without community consultation,” said Peers.
Ken Mukute said laws need to be abided by, specifically those which apply to everyone such as municipal laws.
“We have these laws for a reason; to make sure everyone lives in harmony, safely and to ensure a good quality of life.
The Buurendal resident said the billboard has affected the quality of life in his suburb.
“If this is not addressed, we will soon have billboards across the highway.”
The property owner where the billboard is located received a request for comment.
The property owner stated they noted the community’s concerns and informed the NEWS that comment would be provided as soon as possible.
ity for 30 years was one of the community members voicing their opinion about the billboard.
