Community urged to object to precinct plan

The Cyrildene Community Forum urged all residents, including those in surrounding suburbs, to object to the plan being passed because of the negative impact it will have on everyone currently fighting illegal activities.

Several residents believe they were duped into thinking that the precinct plan was a way forward to address the illegal activities taking place in Derrick Avenue and surrounding streets. They agreed to the implementation of a precinct plan because they thought it would stop the spread of illegal buildings, businesses, parking, dumping and overcrowding.

A precinct plan is supposed to provide clear guidelines for the development of a defined area.

It is meant to provide land use management tools in accordance with the Spatial Development Framework and Regional Spatial Development Framework (RSDF) and other policies or bylaws pertaining to the future development of the area.

All development and rezoning of individual properties within the demarcated area is controlled by the local authority within the confines of the precinct plan.

The plan is supposed to give relevant municipal departments an idea of what infrastructure is needed to sustain the suburb.

The plan is supposed to be drawn up by the community with council.

After a public meeting with town planners to discuss the precinct plan on July 18, residents said they got the feeling that council wants to legalise illegal activities. Residents are concerned that the precinct plan will lead to a high density suburb instead of the peaceful one that it once was.

Members of the Cyrildene Community Forum said months ago residents firmly stated to officials that all illegal activities in the suburb must be addressed as a matter of urgency. They also said that the precinct plan they want implemented is one that will prevent the spread of illegal activities, taking into consideration the current bylaws. Some of the most pressing concerns are the number of rooms or units property owners are building illegally and the number of people living on these properties. Residents are concerned that Cyrildene will end up being a slum. They are also worried about what impact this will have on electricity and sewage infrastructure, health, crime and property prices.

After looking at the precinct plan that council compiled, residents believe the city wants to bend the rules and cater for people who are bringing the suburb down. The EXPRESS previously reported that despite residents’ frustration over illegal building in Cyrildene, council believes there is a need for the type of residential accommodation they are questioning.

Members of the community said council wants to allow this kind of accommodation but has not considered the problems it will lead to.

Members of the forum said officials did not provide a road impact assessment or information about the current sewer, water or electricity capacity and how long it can be supported.

They also did not state where people would find sufficient recreational activities and if future social growth areas such as schools and other community centres will be developed.

To stop the plan being passed, 51 percent of residents need to object.

Members of the forum said neighbouring suburbs should fight against the implementation of the plan in its current form because the problems will spread.

The forum also advised neighbouring suburbs to consider the calibre of neighbours they are going to have in the future. Long standing Cyrildene residents are moving out because of the deterioration.

In an article previously published, Mr Thabo Rangwaga, spokesperson for the member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for development planning and urban management, Clr Roslynn Greeff, said information on contraventions received from council’s land use management department indicates a demand for these buildings.

He said the density allowed in the area is not sufficient to cater for this need. If officials take the approach of enforcement, it will not be sustainable and will not address the cause of the problem.

Residents can e-mail their comments to Ms Angeline Ramahlo, angelineram@joburg.org.za

She can be contacted on 011 407-6894.

People can copy Mr Herman Pienaar, hermanp@joburg.org.za