Residents of Westdene’s Lakewest are ruffling their feathers over the proposed rezoning of Erf 3641 on The Drive, saying the development will negatively impact the area’s tranquillity and delicate biodiversity.

In accordance with Section 11 of the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) Metropolitan Municipality Spatial Planning and Land Use Management By-law 2019, the land development application notice, pegged in front of the property’s boundary walls, called for public participation regarding the development from June 15.

The notice states that the development application seeks approval to rezone the property from zoning 1 (residential) to a community facility, which will include a place of learning, hostels, and caretakers’ dwellings, covering 50% of the property.

The development will consist of a permanent double-storey building designed to accommodate 50 students and support staff.

Ward 28 Clr Mary Goby said that another bone of contention under scrutiny is that the existing house on the property is recognised as a heritage building.

With the window period to lodge formal objections already closed (July 15), chairperson of the Korsmans Conservancy volunteer group, Jane Trembath, said the development could negatively impact the Korsman Bird Sanctuary and potentially rob visitors to the wetland of its natural peace and tranquillity.

“According to information, the proposed development, a religious academy, will house learners from various provinces and will not directly serve learners from the Benoni community,” she said.

“Despite the approval process not yet having been completed, it has been noted that operations on the property already commenced in May, with groups of learners already seemingly moved in.”

Environmental impact
The vocal eco-warrior clarified that her opposition to the development is not based on the activities which will take place on the property but rather how these activities could impact the work done by volunteers to preserve and protect Korsman Bird Sanctuary, which is a protected natural wetland.

“Fifty or more new residents amount to about 19 000 to 20 000 litres of sewage making its way into the system surrounding the sanctuary, daily,” said Trembath.

“Currently, there are two functional pump stations within the confines of the pan, pumping sewage from the area to the main sanitation station. Following years of public pressure, these pumps are operating better than before, and disastrous spills have been effectively managed.

“However, functionality is not guaranteed. The systems are old and in constant need of maintenance; additional systemic pressure could lead to a catastrophic natural disaster, putting the lives of 20 to 30 indigenous bird species that have made the pan their home at risk.

“Critically important is the vegetation surrounding the 40 hectares of water, which provides nesting space for shallow-water waders, mongooses, and other grassland-dwelling creatures.

“A single sewage spill could hamper years of conservation work at one of only a few urban sanctuaries,” she continued.

“We have witnessed a number of raw effluent spillages, which not only have a negative impact on our environment, but also on residents’ health. We have worked too hard for too long to allow a development of this nature to proceed.

“The community have been instrumental in preserving this natural jewel and now more than ever we need to fight for its sustainability.”

Traffic and noise
Concerns have also been raised about the impact that increased traffic to and from the educational centre will have on the area and on visitors to the pan.

“According to initial plans submitted for the development, provision was made for nine parking bays,” said Trembath.

“This has since increased to 20 bays. Members of the community flock to Korsmans because it provides a safe environment for recreational activities such as jogging and walking.

“Others appreciate the peace and tranquillity of sitting on designated benches, taking in the rich bird life and connecting with nature. Increased traffic threatens to rob visitors of this calming and rejuvenating experience.”

Trembath continued by saying that other areas would be better suited for the development.
“The Drive is not the place for this. As an embedded member of the Westdene community and conservationist, I think the development of the educational academy in the heart of this area is ill-planned.”

Goby confirmed that comments and objections regarding the development will be reviewed and considered.

The Benoni City Times has approached the developer and the CoE for comment, but none has been received at the time of publication.

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