Informal settlement in Glen Austin AH concerns local industrial park
The informal settlement began around 2023 and has grown, with residents backfilling the wetland to build more structures.
An informal settlement adjacent to Midrand Industrial Park has sparked concerns from the manager of the park Shaun Wilson.
People started settling at the corner of Boxer and West roads in Glen Austin AH in about 2023. The settlement is growing and is encroaching on a wetland, which is being filled with building rubble as a foundation for new shacks.
Also read: Heavy loads cause a problem at Midrand Industrial Park
Wilson said, “We have various challenges within the park. And most of these problems, cable theft and general crime, began when the informal settlement started growing. Quality of life has been compromised as there is smoke from the burning during the recycling of items. We are scared that companies here will leave the park to seek safer places to run their business because of crime.”
JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla said they were aware of the situation. “The city has engaged with the landowners to discuss strategies for securing their property and preventing further land invasions but a satisfactory response has not yet been received. The JMPD is aware of the concerns raised by the Midrand Industrial Park manager,” added Fihla.
He said they were working with other city entities including the Environmental Infrastructure Services Department and Environmental Health, as well as SAPS, to address the criminal activities in the area.
Also read: Scourge of murders in informal settlement worries Rabie Ridge
Ward 110 councillor Angelina Mphaho said, “I don’t know the owner of that land but what is difficult with privately owned land is that we cannot take matters into our own hands. I need to see and meet with the owner and see how those people can be removed.”
Assistant communication director Pierre Nel on behalf of environmental health said no person may cause a public health nuisance anywhere in the municipal area.
“The burning of waste creates a health nuisance to the inhabitants and communities affected by the smoke. The burning of waste is an offence in accordance the Public Health By-laws Section 5(1) Section 165 and the perpetrator is liable to a fine or in default to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 6 months”.
Pikitup spokesperson Muzi Mkhwanazi said, “The waste entity is not mandated to clean water streams or along riverbanks and it is illegal to dump waste in water streams. Law and by-law enforcement agencies are best poised to respond.”
Follow us on our Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok pages. Join our WhatsApp group for any story ideas you may have.
Related article: Back-and-forth continues in Austin View’s much-sought land
