The proposed plan is for the development of the open land next to the N3 highway, between the Modderfontein and Linksfield off-ramps, and includes land near the Sizwe Hospital, which is the site of an old cemetery.
Formerly known as Rietfontien Hospital, it was established 115 years ago and treated patients with bubonic plague, smallpox, leprosy and TB. Patients who had died from those diseases were buried in close proximity to the hospital.
The development, comprising residential units as well as commercial and municipal facilities on a tract of relatively untouched land surrounding Sizwe Hospital, has been met with community opposition.
Town planner and architect, Marian Laserson said the cemetery was home to thousands of graves and she was concerned that digging up these graves could lead to an outbreak of disease.
Matthew Elliot, a local resident and architect said, “The development of the land may lead to the spread of disease. This is an extremely premature idea, I believe that years of study are needed to determine what the outcome will be if the ground is disturbed and turned into a construction site.”
The development plans are as follows:
- Some 8 400 residential units will be built on the property
- This equates to a density of 160 units per hectare to accommodate a residential population of about 28 000
- The site will also include 800 000m2 of commercial development and it is claimed some 25 000 permanent employment opportunities will be created.
Other concerns that have been raised by residents are an influx of traffic, damage to a site that has been untouched for many years, and damage to the ecosystem.
Bokamoso Environmental, which is responsible for the environmental impact assessment, assured community members that all factors have been considered.
Ward councillors, together with experts and residents, gathered at the Linksfield Nursery to show the Regulatory Office that some tombstones are still visible on the site.
Ward councillor Bill Rundle said, “A large number of the tombstones and metal numbers which represented tombstones have been stolen over the years, there are approximately 3 500 bodies buried in the field which runs alongside the N3 highway between the Modderfontein and Linksfield off-ramps, and includes land near the Sizwe Hospital.”
According to Rundle, all community members who wish to submit oppositions may still do so by e-mailing him.
Details: sehlorabrokers@gmail.com
