Paulshof boundary wall demolished

According to Ward 93 councillor Annette Deppe, the wall was demolished by City officials on 27 January on an instruction from MMC of Transport Christine Walters.

The wall, built by Paulshof Hill community members, caused havoc from when it was first built last year (Wall causes havoc in Paulshof) and on 25 January a heated meeting was held at the wall (Boundary wall on Isipingo Road continues to cause havoc in Paulshof).

The demolition of the wall came as a surprise to residents as many were under the impression that a second meeting would be held to discuss the ay forward. However, Ward 112 councillor Candice James said it was no surprise that the wall had been broken down based on what had transpired at a councillors’ forum meeting on 26 January at Midrand Fire Station.

According to James, Abigail Ndlovu, regional director of Region A brought up the issue of the wall towards the end of the meeting. “Ndlovu explained in the meeting that it [Paulshof boundary wall] was unacceptable… She called it a wall of divide and requested for a report back at the next meeting,” said James.

Ndlovu responded and said, “Speculation that I am behind the wall being demolished is unfounded.” She added that in light of all that had happened, she would be meeting with Deppe on ­­­­­­3 February to find a way forward.

Deppe added that initially there had been conflicting reports as to who the land belonged to on which the boundary wall was built. “There had been mixed messages… Is it on JRA’s road? Is it on the boundary of the Eskom servitude… a dead end of a road?” she questioned.

However, she was now able to confirm that it was the City’s land and they were well within their rights to bash the wall down.

“Residents must adhere to the rule of law and that is to get written permission from [city] council to erect a wall to enhance the palisade fence,” said Deppe. She explained that Paulshof Hill residents erected the wall after being informed by their lawyer that the land was on an Eskom servitude. After consulting with city council’s lawyer, Alwyn Nortje, they were advised that they did not need to get approval to erect the wall and so they went ahead.

Paulshof Hill Working Group said, “It remains now for the residents of Paulshof Hill to find alternative measures to implement safety and security measures.”

Do you think that bashing the wall down was the right decision or was there another solution? Comment in the section below