Presentation of plans for a proposed mixed-use development on the hospital site met with dissatisfaction from Rand Aid Association residents at a focus group meeting on 11 November.
Speaking to a large gathering at Tarentaal Village, Lizelle Gregory of Bokamoso Environmental, and Harm Schreurs of Century Property Developments described the site as ideally situated for a development that will integrate low- to medium-income housing (much of it subsidised) with commercial and social facilities.
Now limited to drug-resistant tuberculosis and HIV, Sizwe Hospital has a long history of treating tropical and infectious diseases, and memories of the anthrax and smallpox casualties buried onsite are strong in local memory.
Following receipt of about 6 000 objections, most concerned with the possible health risks of disturbing the graves of disease victims, Bokamoso enlisted experts to undertake a detailed site investigation. The resulting environmental impact assessment encompasses not only the visual, noise, traffic and service impact, but risk of contamination by anthrax and other diseases, as well as heritage and ecological conservation issues.
Following detailed investigation, said Gregory, Bokamoso is comfortable that the development will pose no greater health risk than any of the surrounding locations. Gregory explained that only three graveyards were located, and while spillage from the hospital has resulted in the presence of tuberculosis DNA in the site’s groundwater, no traces of anthrax or smallpox could be found. Negotiations are underway for the eventual removal of the hospital – which provides a relatively small-scale social service in the area – and the relocation of patients to other facilities. The graveyards themselves will be preserved for their cultural importance, along with historical hospital buildings, while the site’s wetland will be conserved as a natural open space.
Schreurs assured residents that, far from overburdening local services and infrastructure, the development will spur a R550-million road upgrade and the construction of an additional water reservoir and substation. Many residents, however, remained unconvinced, challenging the development’s design and benefit to the region, amid applause and loud agreement.
Should the development be approved, construction will start early next year and finish by 2020. Meanwhile, Bokamoso’s report has yet to undergo peer review, and the public participation process is ongoing.
“It’s still at a concept design stage and there is still a possibility that the project won’t be approved,” said Gregory, encouraging community participation in creating a development that will be acceptable to all.
