Darrenwood Dam and its wetland could be affected by future developments, residents say

Residents are concerned about perceived plans for development at the office park next to Darrenwood Dam and its surrounding wetland, which is a heritage site.

However, a spokesperson for Keystone Investments, which manages Stonemill Office Park, has responded to these concerns, saying there are no plans for development at the natural site, and, while an application has been submitted for the rezoning of the office park on the neighbouring erfs, any future developments would not impact the natural environment on Erf 300 Darrenwood Ext 8.

Portfolio manager and spokesman at Keystone Properties Luan Havemann said the only work being done at the heritage site is the upgrading of a dirt path around the dam into a brick path, though residents have countered they have already seen indigenous trees cut down and reeds pulled out for this, which they claim has affected animal life. They also question the construction of a bridge over part of the dam.

“There are more than 300 species of birds in this small area, including kingfishers and cranes, and we have seen genets, frogs, snakes, owls, and fish. The office park was supposed to maintain the wetland, not develop it,” complained resident Penny Edwards.

Resident Mandi Friedman also questioned why workers were busy every day pulling out reeds and cutting down trees that should have been protected, to make room for a brick path that in her mind was unnecessary.

In response to this Havemann, said, “Care was taken to remove only necessary vegetation. We believe that the positives far outweigh the negatives, this path will now provide us the opportunity to better secure the area and also better manage alien vegetation on the property.”

Access to the dam and its surrounding wetland is security-controlled, with residents having to ask for permission at the office park and other neighbouring properties to enter.

The river that feeds the dam runs through Emma Park first, where residents have complained that displaced people and recyclers pollute the water so that by the time it reaches Darrenwood Dam there is much plastic and waste.

Friedman and Edwards said residents used to come to the dam regularly to fish, but there is little life left beneath the water.

Ward 98 councillor, Beverley Jacobs said it was important to note that not all the residents aware of the development are against it.

Many have no issue with the development, she said.

The application for rezoning includes allowance for development of ‘dwelling units, residential buildings (hotel), places of instruction (tertiary education), shops, restaurants, showrooms, distribution centres and call centres’.

When asked if residents were involved in an objection process, Havemann said, “The statutory process has always been followed and will continue to be followed.”

Several residents said they submitted objections but did not receive straightforward answers.

Complaints from residents

Many residents would rather not see the area developed at all.

“Any further encroachment into the wetland and surrounding pristine bush and plants will impact and alter the already fragile ecosystem negatively and irreversibly,” said Avril Langley.

Annette van der Westhuizen has been living in the area since the 1970s, and over the years she said has seen a decrease in the number of birds, particularly owls, that live at the dam.

“I am convinced the wetland around Darrenwood Dam, as well as all the existing bird, and wildlife, will suffer if new building projects are being undertaken and more people will move into the area. There is already very little natural space available for birds and wildlife in the city. The birds and wildlife will either try to move to a more suitable area, or perish and go extinct.”

Tracey Senyard said, “We used to have lovely sunset views, magnificent indigenous trees, herons and incredible birdlife (for town dwellers), very interesting and valuable nocturnal animal visitors, beautiful owls (and therefore no rats), small spotted genets, and otters close to the Darrenwood Dam. Since the developments of Stonemill and all the townhouse residences around us, many of these are now distant memories.”

Natascha Heine, who has lived in the area since 1969, said the community ‘needs green lungs in order to live and teach future generations the love and respect for nature, otherwise we suffer endlessly’.

Heather Edmunds said the theme of World Wetlands Day on 2 February was ‘wetland restoration’, so it was sad the wetland was not being embraced but was instead facing development next door.

Another resident, who wished not to be named, said, “It should never had the first development, which was fought against then… That land was for all to use and enjoy as a bird sanctuary and wetlands around the dam. I have lived one street up from this development for over 20 years and the decline in the bird life is huge.”

Cynthia Alexander added, “An increase in traffic will increase the noise nuisance which is disturbance of peace. Pollution levels will increase. An increase in human traffic will result in the devastating destruction of the fragile infrastructure of the wetlands and surrounding fauna and flora. Conservation of the wetland area is paramount to its continued, undisturbed future.”

Yasmin Mayet agreed that noise pollution and traffic would disturb the natural environment, especially as there are already schools and a shopping centre nearby.

Melinda Tyers said, “The wetland around the dam is one of the most beautiful nature areas left in Randburg and beyond, especially during the rainy season. Even without direct access many people love to go to the adjacent restaurant to experience this feeling of peace. Building here again will most certainly destroy the tranquility and wildlife that is left.”

Randal Friedrichs drew attention to the poor state of roads near the dam, which have to be attended to regularly.

Furthermore, he said sewerage drains in the area already overflow sometimes and an influx of residents would not help matters.

Lesley Thomas said the area should be preserved for future generations, rather than developed.

Faizal Mahomed said Stonemill Office Park does not have the space to construct all the facilities it wishes to, as it is. So he believes it may one day develop into a large residential complex, without the restaurants, shops and hotel included in the rezoning application, but this increase in human occupation will affect the environment.

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