Concerns over new Parkdene development

This is according to Ward 23 councillor Johan Hendricks, who with Derek Fox (economic development and town planning sector portfolio on the ward committee), have raised concerns regarding the Leeuwpoort Development, which is most likely going to become Parkdene Extension 7.

According to Hendricks, there are two major developments planned, one which is by a private developer (compromising of about a 1000 units along the Cinderella Dam) and the other by the Ekurhuleni Metro.

It is especially the proposed development by the metro which has gained the attention of the ward committee, residents of Parkdene and also the residents of the Cinderella hostel.

Hendricks said that plans have been in existence, by the metro, stretching back to at least 2007, to develop property on the other side of Rondebult Road (behind the Checkers Hyper), yet back then the proposal was for only a few hundred cluster units, with a sprinkling of high density units.

“Now, according to the new plans, it seems the metro is proposing to build 2800 units which will comprise of high density and also affordable units, therefore low cost housing,” said Hendricks.

“Immediately, this raises concerns regarding the property value of Parkdene proper as this new development will take shape basically across the road.

“You also have to consider the increased traffic flow along Rondebult Road, which is already congested as it carries motorists coming from the south.

“And then of course, you have to consider the impact that such a large development will have on infrastructure and basic service delivery, since the metro will have to provide water, electricity and other essential services, such as sewage disposal to thousands of residents.”

Hendricks and Fox said that in no way are they against any development which will aid in alleviating the housing backlog or the advancement of society, but they questioned the rationale behind pushing for such a large scale development.

“Noteworthy is that the metro has indeed introduced plans to build two new schools in Parkdene 7 – a primary and secondary. However, it should be noted this ambitious property development cannot come to fruition unless the schools are first up and running.

“There are also plans on the table for sport and health care facilities, which is good news. However, again, you are talking about thousands of residents who will probably be placing greater pressure on the already overburdened OR Tambo Hospital when they seek more intensive medical care.”

Fears have also been raised regarding the potential for a spike in crime, since Parkdene 7 will be located next to Reiger Park, with the metro planning to build a new road linking the two suburbs.

“Will our law enforcement agencies, who are are already struggling to curb crime, be able to deal with another potential hot spot for crime, as what we are seeing in Reiger Park?

“At the end of the day, a new property development needs to be sustained with the proper backing of the community and sustainable infrastructure.”

Hendricks pointed out that, as far as he knows, this development is a done deal, and has proof that the metro has already decided on street names for Parkdene Ext 7.

Recently, a group of residents from Cinderella hostel as well as members of the ANC in ward 32, marched to the Boksburg Civic Centre to hand over a memorandum of demands to Hendricks and the metro.

The residents are concerned about the planned housing project, which, they feel, might leave them homeless.

They want their councillor to take steps to ensure that the Human Settlement Department calls a halt to the housing project in Cinderella and, at the same time, come up with a new housing plan which will benefit both black and white poor families currently living in the area.

The Advertiser is still waiting for comment from the metro.