Mall issue remains hotly debated
According to Dr Theron, the Msukaligwa Municipality has assured the developers that all current systems are in working order and that necessary upgrades, if any, will be done.
The proposed shopping mall on the Ermelo Showground continues to elicit divergent resp
Environmental Assessment Practitioner Dr Gwen Theron led the second environmental assessment public meeting on the mall last Thursday evening.
The project manager, engineers and architects working with the Moolman Group also attended the meeting and were on hand to answer questions.
Dr Theron gave a brief overview on issues discussed in the previous meeting and changes that were made after consideration of concerns highlighted by the community.
Although the proposed entrances to the mall have been limited to two in Voortrekker Avenue, the compulsory buffer of 5m increased to 15m and an undertaking that the size of the existing storm water pipe in Juliana Avenue will be substantially increased, residents are still concerned about the mall’s impact on the water reticulation, electrical and sewage network of the town.
According to Dr Theron, the Msukaligwa Municipality has assured the developers that all current systems are in working order and that necessary upgrades, if any, will be done.
This was hotly contested by various speakers, who pointed out the shortcomings in the present municipal service delivery.
They warned Dr Theron that the assurances given them by the Municipality could not be relied on.
Residents adjacent to the proposed site are still concerned about the storm water drainage system and remain unconvinced that proper measures are in place to address this issue.
Other issues raised concerned the impact of the increased storm water on the flood line; how a three-storey building would affect the landscape; the increased pressure on the sewerage system and the effect the mall could have on existing businesses in the CBD.
The hopes of residents looking forward to having a movie theatre in the mall were dashed when Dr Theron said there are no plans for such a facility. Ten-pin bowling and a gym could be on the cards.
All interested and affected parties have till Friday to raise any questions or obtain more information regarding the environmental study.
