Riversands road causes controversy
KYALAMI - The Riversands development near William Nicol Drive is again causing controversy among the Kyalami community with the construction of a road which the Greater Kyalami Conservancy (Gecko) believes to be unauthorised.
At a site visit to the area, Kristin Kalleson of Gecko explained that she believes the road which is being built off Erling Road was not part of the original Enivironmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and that the wetland on either side of the road has never been studied. Kalleson also mentioned that siltage from the construction could cause irreparable damage to the wetlands.
“The Riversands EIA and amendment were for portions of the farm in Diepsloot and not Kleve Agricultural Holdings where the road and nursery were constructed and where the wetland damage has taken place,” Kalleson said.
“The wetland has not been part of an EIA so has not been delineated as far as Gecko is aware. To date the developer has not been able to produce documentation to this effect.”
Spokesperson for the Johannesburg Roads Agency, Bertha Peters-Scheepers said that according to the agency’s senior engineer, the township Riversands X15 and the Incubation Hub has been approved. “The development is by Century Property and an EIA has been approved for the road, bridge crossing, as well as everything within the Riversands Farm. An EIA has also been completed for the wetland and the company has appointed a wetland specialist,” she said. “With regards to silting, this matter is being dealt with.”
Anne Vincente of Century Properties confirmed that the roads agency’s response was accurate, particularly with regards to the appointment of a wetlands specialist to study the area. Vincente also echoed the agency’s comment that the siltage is now being dealt with.
Gecko is however still skeptical about the response. “As we understand a wetland specialist has only been approached in the past month after we raised our concerns and the damage was already done,” Kalleson said.
