Developers should be responsible – Humphreys
She is also worried about the sewage system which is already showing signs that it is struggling to carry the current load.
The amount of new property developments going up in Bedfordview is alarming and leaves a bad taste in one’s mouth.
This is according to the ward 20 councillor-elect, Jill Humphreys.
Clr Humphreys expressed frustration over the developments that go up without consideration of the surroundings.
“This is a serious problem. Bedfordview used to have a village feel to it and that was one of the things that made it different to many other suburbs. Of late we have witnessed a number of developments going up and more are on the cards,” said Humphreys.
She is concerned about residents and motorists already living and driving through the area, and those who will be buying and moving into the spaces currently in construction.
“If we put a building with over 200 units on one of the busiest intersections in Bedfordview, where are we expecting all the traffic to go?” asked Humphreys.
She is also worried about the sewage system which is already showing signs that it is struggling to carry the current load.
“This system is already struggling with the current population as is. Adding more load onto it will do more harm than good,” she said.
Some residents echoed Humphreys’ sentiments.
“We cannot have this in Bedfordview. I have spent more than R5-million on my house because I wanted the exclusivity that comes with living in this suburb, but with all the blocks mushrooming everywhere I’m not prepared to stay,” said a resident who owns a home along Florence Avenue.
Clr Humphreys said in most instances developers were being favoured over and above residents.
She said her heart breaks every time trees have to make way for billboards.
“For every piece of outdoor advertising that goes up, we lose trees. These boards a targeted to motorists driving along the highways, so they are put there strategically. While big business makes a killing from them, our air quality is compromised as a result. Trees absorb all the gas and heavy metals emitted by the cars on the highways,” she said.
ALSO READ
Bedfordview billboard woes continue
