Metro says Bardene boom is not legal

To counter the undesirable threat to residents and their property, a group of Bardene Ext 2 residents contributed thousands of rands to the erection of a boom gate, which boasts CCTV on Post Office Avenue.

However, it appears the newly constructed facility is likely to be dismantled as someone erected it illegally.
Some sceptical residents question the authenticity of the claims that they had permission to erect the boom gate on the public road.

Don’t let #johnvuligatechallenge end in tears.

The closure of a main road is illegal; all road closures including boom gates have to be in line with the city planning bylaws.
#EMPD Land Invasion Unit removing boom gates in Kempton Park.

📸cred: @KemptonExpress pic.twitter.com/ndDvpfKibh

— CITY OF EKURHULENI (@City_Ekurhuleni) October 16, 2020

Residents claim a community WhatsApp group informed them the metro had approved the project. Those driving the project encouraged residents to support it because it was ‘effective’ in reducing robberies and other crimes by providing controlled access to an area.

They also asked residents to contribute money to cover the costs of erecting the boom gate and to commit towards a monthly contribution towards the maintenance of the facility.

By-law enforcement
One of the unconvinced residents contacted the Boksburg Advertiser for help to establish the authenticity of the claim that they have permission for the boom gate.

As part of our verification, the Advertiser approached the City of Ekurhuleni, who confirmed the boom gate was illegal because they granted no permission to allow the community to block off a public road and control access to the area.

The city’s spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said they would institute legal action against those behind the unapproved boom gate, as the city’s by-laws make it illegal to block a council-owned road without permission.
“The City Planning Department will conduct an inspection and hand the matter over to the city’s legal department,” said Dlamini.

Correct procedure
He also pointed out that residents’ associations or other community representatives are required to apply for permission for a road closure, security huts or to erect any structure on a public road. Such projects need to be supported by the residents.

“Applications for erecting boom gates are, as per the stipulated procedure, submitted to the HOD of the city planning office in Kempton Park,” Dlamini said.

Hindrance
One of the residents, who asked not to be named, said the project had been the source of suspicion and disagreement between those who introduced it to the community and those who remain sceptical about its legality.

“Some of us cannot fathom why the gate was erected in the first place. This is a plan hatched and driven by one family on behalf of the community without wide consultations with all affected residents.
“This thing is hindering the free use of public roads. You can see it’s not manned, which means there are no guards to open the gate for people who want to go in.
“Residents, workers, deliveries and visitors must be able to use all the roads without hindrance,” the resident said.
“We couldn’t believe the claims that permission had been granted because we know the processes to be followed, and closing a public road needs to be handled with greater sensitivity.
“Instead, we only kept getting these messages on our group telling us that we need to pay this much for the project, as areas where they have erected boom gates had a significant crime reduction.”
Money invested
The resident said they are now compelled to commit to a monthly contribution for the boom gate operations and maintenance costs.

According to the WhatsApp messages seen by the Advertiser, about R170 000 of the amount contributed by residents has been spent on the project.
A resident from one of the houses on Post Office Avenue commented that people might require a refund, should the metro decide to dismantle the gate.

Also Read: East Rand Mall boom gates frustrate shoppers

Also Read: WATCH: Illegal boom gates removed in Birch Acres