The development of townhouses in the park started on May 5, against the wishes of many residents living in Airfield.
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality said there was an objection period and that no objections were received, but the residents demand proof that the public was notified and of the legality of the project.
The residents claim they never received any notification of the development, nor of the sale of the land, before an advertisement sign went up in the park.
After the placement of the sign, the residents quickly organised an action group to investigate the development.
The general consensus of the residents around the park is opposition to the development.
The sign went up in early February and, since then, the City Times has sent several enquiries to the municipality for comment, but received feedback on only the first.
For the past two months, no word on the matter has been received from the municipality.
Councillors Gerrie Kriek (Ward 27) and André du Plessis (Ward 23), are investigating the matter at council and said they want to gather as much information as possible in order to make an informed decision.
The residents are confused and angered that the construction is going ahead anyway, without any proof of the project’s legality having been presented.
“Surely all officials should be doing their utmost to prove that this development is above board and legal, including the DA representatives,” said Keith Kinman, an Airfield resident.
- Do you agree with or oppose the development?
- What do you think of the legality of the development?
- Did you ever see a notice (in the City Times or another source) of this development before February?
A meeting explaining what evidence has been found so far was due to be held on Tuesday, June 2, at the Benoni Council Chambers, in the CBD, at 6pm.
