The City of Ekurhuleni’s (CoE) Development Planning and Real Estate Department is set to decide on a controversial development in Alberton, after its tribunal heard arguments from objectors and applicants.

The controversial development is spearheaded by Rean Booysen, but it is being opposed by 76 residents of Meyersdal’s Eco Estate and some Home Owners’ Associations from Alberton.

The tribunal hearing sat at the Alberton Council Chamber on February 11.

The proposed development, known as Meyersdal Ext 31, also referred to as the Meyersdal Valley Estate, covers approximately 75ha adjacent to the Meyersdal Eco Estate. Before the tribunal hearing began, city officials, objectors, and applicants conducted a site inspection.

The inspection was aimed at determining how the proposed development could impact Meyersdal Eco Estate, Bassonia Rock, areas south of Linmeyer, the Risana townships, and other parts of Alberton. These communities are between the Klipriviersberg Ridge to the south and west, the N12 to the north, and the R59 freeway to the east.

At the hearing, the tribunal heard accusations and counteraccusations from those opposing the proposed development and those supporting it.

The tribunal chairperson, Karl van Resnburg, heard that the applicants did not have an existing record of decision (ROD) for the proposed development; therefore, they are calling for the tribunal to reject the application for development.

@albertonrecord Tribunal hearing held for a proposed development in Alberton. The objectors vs the developer. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za #Alberton #Meyersdal #ekurhuleni ♬ original sound – Alberton Record

An ROD is a public and official document concluding the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental impact statement (EIS) process, ensuring transparency by summarising alternatives and commitments, and is prepared after a final environmental impact statement is issued to disclose which action an agency will implement.

Countering objections

The applicants, however, hit back at the objectors.

Van Resnburg was told that the objectors deliberately ignored and failed to read documents addressing issues raised in their objections. The applicants also told the tribunal that there is no need for an ROD to develop land, as there is no law requiring one, effectively saying an ROD is irrelevant.

The objectors told the tribunal that the applicants must get an ROD and start a new public participation process before proceeding with the development.

The applicants said initial public participation processes had no objectors and that the objectors are just trying to delay the proposed development.

The tribunal also heard from experts from both sides: town planners and traffic engineers with decades of experience.

Decision pending

For the objectors, the expert argued that the proposed plans could have a negative impact on the environment, infrastructure, traffic, and people’s way of living.

For the applicants, the expert said they considered those issues and that their plans were designed to mitigate the issues raised and to cause minimal impact, as capacity will be built to accommodate the proposed development.

After much back-and-forth between the objectors and applicants, the tribunal said it would communicate its decision on the matter in two or three weeks’ time. No specific date was given.

Asked for comment on the sidelines of the tribunal hearing, the applicant Rean Booysen said: “The best chance the objectors have is to delay the matter because the application for the development has been done properly. So they know that it will eventually be approved, they are just trying their best to frustrate the process, hoping we will lose steam, but that is not going to happen.”

Booysen also told the Alberton Record that he has seen communication between the objectors plotting delay and postponement tactics.

“I’ve seen numerous of their communications, saying that if they could just do something to get a postponement, that would be a win for them. We understand where they are coming from, so we have to go through the process, we respect the process, and we are glad that we have a competent tribunal,” added Booysen.

The Alberton Record also interviewed CoE PR councillor, Daniel Rudolf Herbst, who said he represents some of the objectors: “There are fundamental questions that have not been spoken to about the proposed development, like the servicing of the proposed units,” said councillor Herbst.

“Also, when the development starts, how are they going to connect the sewer and who is going to pay for the connection of the sewer? As far as electricity is concerned, who is going to install the transformers there, and who is going to pay for them, asked Herbst.

The Alberton Record will give updates on this issue as developments are communicated.