Orange Grove Residents Association speaks out about planned housing project

The Orange Grove Residents Association (OGRA) is concerned over the proposed demolition of existing housing stock as a prior requirement for development earmarked for a multi-million rand housing project in Orange Grove.

Chairperson of the association, Roger Chadwick said the planned housing project, worth R223 million, ‘seems unreasonable, unnecessary and hasty’.

The North Eastern Tribune reported in the article Mixed feelings about project [Week ending 27 March] that it is believed that some houses owned by Johannesburg Property Company are expected to be demolished to make way for the project. According to the City of Joburg spokesperson, Nthatise Modingoane, the tender process had already been completed and residents were also consulted through their ward councillor.

Chadwick said even though they believe this development will be good for the area, they have certain reservations, especially about demolitions of houses. “The conversion of existing City of Joburg housing stock into affordable accommodation through measured and harmonious development of the properties suitable to the character of the area was always a desire from OGRA,” Chadwick said.

“The private homeowners we have contacted are dismayed that they are finding out about the ‘Demolition Clause(s)’ only now, as has Orange Grove Residents Association. This is why we have published a newsletter hoping to alert them.”

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Chadwick said they believe that existing private homeowners and other stakeholders should be consulted on the development plans that will affect their property and property values. “An open and transparent public discussion is a mark of a progressive democracy.”

City’s spokesperson Nthatise Modingoane said they have and will continue to consult homeowners throughout the project. “Residents were consulted through their ward councillors, the previous and the current councillors. There will be continuous stakeholder engagements throughout the project as is normally the case with any development of this nature,” emphasised Modingoane.

Meanwhile, prior to the announcement that the project will take shape soon, there was a tribunal which focused on the matter and the residents’ association was one of the objectors. Modingoane confirmed that letters of objectors were issued to the objectors. Chadwick also confirmed receipt of a letter with the outcome of the tribunal. “We had our objection reviewed and there is an appeal period that is open-ended and depends on the date an objector receives the tribunal notice. From the date of ‘receipt’, the objector has 21 days to lodge an appeal.”

Ward 73 councillor, Eleanor Huggett said her biggest concern is the people who have leased the houses legally, as she wonders if alternative accommodation will be found for them.

Details: roger@bluerhino-design.com

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