Glera rejects land invaders in Lombardy East’s suburbs
LOMBARDY EAST – Residents are still waiting for Joshco to meet and discuss the pending concerns that include traffic flow in the area.
The Greater Lombardy East Residents’ Association (Glera) and Ward 81 councillor, Irene Rugheimer, are adamant that they will not allow any land invasion in their suburb.
This after a group of people attempted to invade land owned by Johannesburg Social Housing Company (Joshco) earmarked to build houses in Lombardy East. Partnering with the local police, community policing forum and Blockwatch, residents managed to block the move.
Glera’s chairman, Abey Mamaregane, said they will not allow any shack dwelling on that land even though they still have issues with Joshco.
He said discussions with Joshco, through their town planner and legal representatives to resolve the pending issues, are still underway. “We are waiting for development documents from them to resolve concerns raised by the community,” said Mamaregane.
“We hope that the [attempted] land invasion will propel the City and Joshco to expedite providing us with the requested documents so that a solution can be achieved soonest.
“This has not changed our position on the concerns of the community. Glera supports the development, provided the City addresses them so that the design of the buildings can accommodate the needs of new occupants and the existing community.”
According to Rugheimer, Joshco has obtained a court order preventing anyone from building illegal structures. She said residents are more concerned about the increase of traffic on the current road infrastructure. “We have requested a meeting with Joshco, Glera, Johannesburg Roads Agency and a town planner to try and finalise the planned project.”
Nthabiseng Mphela, Joshco’s marketing and communications manager said the matter has been referred to the provincial housing department. “We had intentions of developing rental stock but residents objected to the plan and the matter was then referred to the Gauteng government,” she said.
Lebo Keswa, the spokesperson for Department of Human Settlements, confirmed the matter but requested more time to respond to the questions sent to her by North Eastern Tribune.
Details: Greater Lombardy East Residents’ Association www.glera.co.za
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Related article:
https://northeasterntribune.co.za/228658/land-invasion-saga-eff-accused-invading-vacant-land-lombardy-east-grounds/
