Glen Austin Conservancy urges city to halt Austin Road developments

Constant sewer blockages, which affect the nearby wetland in Glen Austin, have left the suburb’s conservancy group with no choice but to call for the city to stop further developments in the area.

The Glen Austin Conservancy (GAC) group chairperson Dave Allanby said it is imperative to halt any further development in the area until an investigation into the sewerage system has taken place.

He said it was also important to revisit all development applications along this area currently with the planning tribunal, specifically relying on this existing sewer where developers have indicated there is no need to increase its capacity.

Allanby mentioned the following applications:

• Upgrade and re-route the sewer along Austin Road away from the wetland;
• Institute an official buffer zone along the wetland prohibiting any development including the installation of infrastructure;
• Ensure site development plans effectively address sewerage and stormwater management.

The constant sewer blockages in the area prompted the conservancy group to call an urgent meeting on December 8. Various city entities including Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) and the Ward 92 councillor attended. Johannesburg Water (JW) was absent despite being invited.

He said monitoring and frequent inspections for approved developments during and upon completion of construction were critical with the main aim being to ensure the quality of materials and workmanship of infrastructure.

“The Glen Austin Conservancy is extremely concerned that the City of Johannesburg continues to approve and allow developments upstream of a major sewerage and stormwater infrastructure problem. It appears that they are basing decisions on incorrect data and misguided perceptions. Furthermore, the current Spatial Development Framework Plan for the City of Johannesburg in terms of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management (SPLUMA) Act, No. 16 of 2013, clearly indicates the lack of bulk infrastructure in Glen Austin as a constraint to development. Also, there are no associated bulk infrastructure projects listed in the associated Integrated Development Plan of the city,” added Allanby.

JRA’s Mosa Makhalima said, “The issue in this regard is a blocked bridge that causes overflow at the corner of Old Olifantsfontein and Austin roads in Glen Austin. The depot will clean the bridge with an excavator on February 29.”

JW spokesperson Nombuso Tshabalala had not responded by the time of going to print despite being sent numerous reminders from February 9, 19, and 26.

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