Development creates concern
Retirement village starts up trouble with residents, that is soon cleared up when everyone agrees to work together.
Residents of Olivedale have not been happy about the new retirement village being built in their neighbourhood.
According to resident Jenny Lee Roussouw, the Central Developments Property Group, who are building the Olivedale Retirement Village, have been using residential roads for their trucks and delivery vehicles.
“The developers have their massive concrete trucks and labour-laden vehicles driving down a suburban street that houses a creche and pre-school. They are content to have their vehicles speed through our suburb where there are always little children on their bikes and residents walking their pets,” said Roussouw.
In response Ward 101 councillor Ralf Bittkau said, “The area where the retirement village is being built was already zoned for higher density developments, in line with the Reproductive Scientist Development Programme of the City of Johannesburg. The property is situated along the roads so they have every right to gain access from where they deem necessary. As the roads are property of the state they have every right to use them”.
Central Developments Property Group project manager Elzette van Niekerk said, “We had, from the beginning of construction, approached the community about the route we wanted to use, however we may have not gone through the right channels.
We have recently met with some of the residents of lower Sharonlea. Although it is not confirmed, we agreed to using an alternative route in the meantime. We will use one route that does not affect the residents. We look forward to building a fruitful relationship with the community”.
Bittkau said the Johannesburg Roads Agency should get the agreement in writing in order to hold the contractor accountable if needed. “I have been trying to get the roads agency involved in this and other issues in the neighbourhood, but have not even had the courtesy of a reply,” said Bittkau. The agency has not yet commented on the matter.
Roussouw said she was happy to hear that the developers would listen to them and begin a good working relationship.
