This is despite residents pleading for the development to be scrapped, saying the developers did not follow the correct legal proceedings.
According to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM), the developer followed all the necessary legal steps, one of which was to inform the local residents of the plans and allow them time for objections.
Many of the residents said they had not received any notification and thus never had the chance to oppose the development.
“My responsibility as ward councillor is to the residents’, first, not to the developers,” said Clr Gerrie Kriek, of ward 27.
“I’m not against development in Benoni, but the process must be followed properly and an objection period must be given to the residents; even if there is only one objection, I would listen to that person’s plight.
“The documentation for the sale and rezoning of this property should have gone through me, as ward councillor, but I can’t recall ever receiving anything concerning the Phil Erasmus Park.”
After two meetings organised by the residents to discuss the issue, about 60 of them signed a petition, which Kriek presented at a council meeting on March 26.
Kriek said the petition will be reviewed, but the process takes time, which allows the developers to continue with construction, for the time being.
“I think it was great shock to see the earth moving equipment stripping the top soil and grass away in the park,” said Andrew Radloff, an Airfield resident.
In light of the start of construction in the park, Radloff said immediate action is necessary while the residents wait for the petition to be processed.
He said public protest might be their only option at the moment, and one of the residents, Dorothy Berry (75), suggested they lie in front of the construction equipment to force the work to a halt.
In a letter submitted to the City Times recently, resident Keith Gardiner demanded proof from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) that the development is fully legal, or that they end it immediately.
“The whole development stinks of corruption, I am sad to say, but I can confidently back up this sentiment with the support of the Airfield residents’ signatures and, until the EMM can become truthful and patently prove that all is above board, that sentiment will remain,” said Gardiner.
EMM was approached for comment on the start of the development, but none had been received at the time of going to press.
