Modderfontein residents unhappy with development of power padel courts

Modderfontein – Thornhill Estate residents have expressed concerns about the new paddle court development at Flamingo Dam.

They called out the construction company Nevada Group for disregarding by-law policies and community input.

Residents Anita Ferri, Debbie Simpson and Emma Harrage are frustrated at the lack of consultation and have environmental concerns.

Their frustrations stem from building allegedly on a buffer zone (wetland).

Cutting down trees

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They said when they first moved into the area, at least 100 flamingos were there, but that number has drastically declined.

The trio explained they first heard about the project late last year and that only a few people objected because many were unaware of it.

“By the time people started jumping up and down, there wasn’t enough time for everyone to process and get on board to object.

“And it isn’t just people who live on this side who are affected by this. It is the whole community, from the traffic congestion and the noise pollution, never mind infiltrating an environmental buffer zone,” they explained.

Residents said initially that they were told there would be a sports development complex constructed a short distance from the dam but close to the Gautrain line.

They accuse the company of a lack of transparency. They are also concerned about destroying the wetland buffer zone, a vital habitat for wildlife.

Moreover, residents question the need to construct additional paddle courts in an area saturated with such facilities.

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“The lack of transparency and public consultation needs to be addressed. We also want to know how the company got permission to build on a wetland. Will they continue until they have destroyed the environment in Modderfontein?”

Clr Dimakatso Moloisane of Ward 32 added to the residents’ sentiments, saying four years ago, Region E for Development Planning had rejected the proposal of a development at the dam due to the 100 flood line.

“I have sent several objections concerning this new development, but they were rejected,” he said.

He said according to his knowledge, the approval of the construction doesn’t appear on the system.

“For a new development to take place, it must first be circulated. Several departments should have also been allowed to comment on it.

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“By building there, they are cutting certain indigenous plants. There are so many things that can go wrong with this approval.”

Moloisane said he would write to the MEC of Development and Planning and Forensics to investigate the matter.
At the time of going to print, we had received no comment from the City of Johannesburg.