Parkdene development still on the cards – metro
The Ekurhuleni Metro has confirmed that there are plans for a development in Parkdene, with a density of about 3 000 units.
The proposed development by the metro has gained the attention of the ward committee, residents of Parkdene and also the residents of the Cinderella Hostel.
The Advertiser previously reported that the Ward 23 councillor, Johan Hendricks, and Derek Fox (economic development and town planning sector portfolio on the ward committee), had raised concerns regarding the development, which is likely to become Parkdene Extension Seven.
Some of the concerns included infrastructure constraints and the value of property to be found in Parkdene proper.
Metro spokesperson Themba Gadebe said the development forms part of the Ekurhuleni Metro’s projects that will be implemented in accordance with the relevant Human Settlements/Housing Legislation and Policies.
“As a result of the vast shortage of housing stock, especially from government’s side, this development is considered a high priority development that is proposed to be implemented as soon as possible,” he explained.
He also, however, pointed out that this will be done with due consideration of the legal requirements to be met in terms of all related legislation in the process of considering and approving the township establishment and implementation of the development.
“The development will, however, only be implemented subsequent to the approval of the township establishment application,” he added.
“The application was submitted to the City Planning offices on February 20, 2015, for the due process to be followed to circulate the project for internal and external review, comments and objections (if any).
“The application is mainly for residential use, but communities are created and, therefore, provision for other facilities generally associated with residential developments will be included.
“This includes primary and tertiary educational sites, community facility sites, public open spaces (especially where buildings or other matter of a historical nature must be retained).”
Some retail facilities and some industrial (or commercial) sites could also be included.
“Currently the layout plan submitted for consideration could change to accommodate all comments from respective parties,” Gadebe said.
He emphasised that the necessary studies are being done as part of the township establishment process, to ensure that the services, such as water, sewerage, roads, storm water and electricity, are upgraded to meet the requirements of the development.
“All upgrades that will form part of the development will have to be constructed prior to council transferring ownership to individuals,” he added.”A traffic impact study is, accordingly, part of the studies to determine the necessary upgrades to be effected to the road network in and around the application site.”
Simphiwe Ngxambuza, chairperson of the ANC in Ward 32, supports the Parkdene development, saying it will serve the needs of the poor.
The Advertiser is still unclear about what will happen to the Cinderella Hostel.
Parkdene development serves the need of the poor
Concerns over new Parkdene development |
