Development in Avenues raises concerns
“I always thought that Edenvale felt as if it was a small town centrally located where everybody knew each other.”
With the amount of development occurring in Edenvale, an Avenues resident has raised concerns about what the future holds in store for the town.
Nerina Lincoln of Voortrekker Avenue raised concerns for Edenvale’s future after she realised that a large factory-sized building is being constructed at 130 and 132 Voortrekker Avenue.
“My family and I have lived in Edenvale for 30 years and what attracted us to the town was the fact that it was nice and peaceful,” said Lincoln.
“I always thought that Edenvale felt as if it was a small town centrally located where everybody knew each other.”
Lincoln said over the years development occurred in the area as businesses and offices were developed.
“At first, this was nothing to worry about or get upset over, but I decided to speak out when development in the area continued.”
Also read; ‘Lakeside development plans have not changed’ – Nevada Group
Development at the two properties was first noticed by Lincoln last year June when the properties were being cleared.
She said soon after that the foundations were dug and the construction of the building started.
When Lincoln questioned a person working at the site, she was told that a notice had been put up to inform community members of the development.
“As far as I am aware, I don’t believe anyone living near the construction site was personally notified about it.”
“When I am driving through Edenvale, I can’t stop at every notice I see on a gate. I will make myself a target for criminals.”
With the hopes of finding out more about the matter, Lincoln approached the City of Ekurhuleni’s (CoE) city planning department for information.
In mid-December representatives from the CoE visited the site and stopped construction.
“I was told by CoE that although the company had submitted their plans for approval, the plans had not been approved before construction started.”
Lincoln said in addition to the increase of development she is worried that if a factory is being constructed heavy trucks will make use of Voortrekker Avenue.
She believes this will lead to the rapid deterioration of the road surface and pavements.
Also read: Concerns over new development in Greenstone
Weimar Pfuhl, from Vivit Foods, confirmed to the NEWS that the company is currently expanding onto the two properties in question.
Pfuhl said the properties are zoned as “special” and will be used for the packaging and processing of food products which are approved by the council.
He said the site plans and the building plans were approved in 2018 and clearing of the sites started in June.
In response to the allegation that the construction was illegal, Pfuhl explained that there was a misunderstanding with regards to what was approved. He said this has since been rectified.
“Construction did stop last year but will start again as final approval was granted,” said Pfuhl.
He said the reason large trucks made use of Voortrekker Avenue was so that building materials could be delivered.
“While every care will be taken to prevent deterioration of roads and pavements, this will be managed as governed by the municipality.”
A request for comment was sent to the CoE on January 10 for a deadline of January 11.
The NEWS was informed the municipality would provide comment on the agreed initial deadline.
A second request for comment was sent on January 16 requesting comment by January 18.
At the time of going to print no comment had been received.
