In August, the Sandton Chronicle reported on illegal dumping on the piece of land between Old Kilcullen Road and William Nicol Drive, which property developer Frank Peter claimed to be using for landscaping and beautification purposes.
Community members claimed that Peter illegally dumped building rubble on the site regularly, upsetting the catchment area’s ability to absorb rain into the river system and causing an eyesore in the area.
Peter saw the issue as a misunderstanding and claimed to be using the space to create a shoulder to Old Kilcullen Road for safety and landscaping purposes. However, he had not obtained a wayleave or any legal permission to make use of the land.
To resolve the issue, Peter met with councillor David Potter, representatives of the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), Metro police, Joburg City Parks and the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) on 3 August. At the meeting, Peter committed to applying for a wayleave by the end of the month, however, he has still not made an application.
Peter responded by blaming Potter for his lack of follow-up regarding the issue and pointed out that he has been unable to continue his landscaping without a wayleave. He is also angered that the agency has not removed the rubble as they had promised to do.
Peter said that he has appointed a consultant to apply for a wayleave in conjunction with his civil engineer. He said that once they have completed their drawings, they would apply for the wayleave through the Johannesburg Property Company.
Spokesperson for the roads agency, Bertha Peters-Scheepers said that Peter indicated that his application for the land would be addressed by the end of August in compliance with the City’s requests, and that all parties would be updated on the progress of this application, but the City received no feedback from him.
“No confirmation has been received on progress on compliance requirements. As we are now fast approaching the rainy season, JRA is concerned about public safety and the potential risk of run-off onto the road.”
She said that they have been unable to contact Peter and that they will remove the rubble and soil from the property. “City Parks will be engaged to assist in restoring the land to its original condition. Mr Peters will be subsequently billed for the removal of the materials.”
Potter said the matter remains a risk to motorists and pedestrians, and will encourage more illegal dumping.
Also read:
WATCH: Busted for illegal dumping
Illegal dumping carries on unabated despite increased efforts by Pikitup
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