Ward councillors have mixed views on Gautrain route expansion to Randburg
The proposed route especially goes through Ward 101 (North Riding and Olivedale) but also homes in Northgate, Bryanston, Ferndale, Randburg CBD and Bordeaux, among other Randburg suburbs.
While one ward councillor is excited about the development the Gautrain coming to Randburg will bring, another is disappointed communication has not been more open about how residents will be affected.
The proposed route especially goes through Ward 101 (North Riding and Olivedale) but also homes in Northgate, Bryanston, Ferndale, Randburg CBD and Bordeaux, among other Randburg suburbs.
This route extension will be above ground mostly (apart from the underground area of network at Randburg CBD) and should the proposal become reality, residential homes, schools and roads will be affected.
Ward 134 councillor Devon Steenkamp said the proposed station in Northgate and its links to the proposed stations in Little Falls and Randburg CBD will bring attention and relief to the transport infrastructure in the ward, particularly busy roads.
The North Riding Agricultural Holding Conservation Area is one place he said he will do all he can to ensure the Gautrain does not affect, but he is otherwise excited for the Gautrain.
“Residents have not complained too much about the proposed route to me, but I expect to see more attention when the builders come,” he said.
“It is important that the Gautrain Management Agency listens to the inputs made by residents and businesses affected by the routes and ensure constant public participation is followed.”
Ward 101 councillor Ralf Bittkau, however, said the agency has rarely responded to his queries and he is very concerned about the residents in his ward and Sharonlea Primary School.
“This whole thing is a sham in my opinion,” he said.
“They could go underground and not worry about expropriating people’s homes, but they don’t. A public meeting was held about this phase of the Gautrain but they had it in Magaliesburg of all places so we could not attend. They seem to want to keep public input out of it.”
Randburg Sun has been requesting comment repeatedly from the Gautrain Management Agency since last year and is yet to receive a response.
More information about this new route network can be found here.
Related Article:
Residents affected by proposed Gautrain route give voice at public meeting
