Illegal flats in President Park cause untold chaos
Despite an order to halt all construction back in 2021, the building of flat units in President Park has continued.
An illegal development of more than 300 flats has been built in President Park, Midrand, and is causing an environmental disaster for the area. These flats are on Brand Road, an area zoned as agricultural holding, and have sparked concerns from residents and neighbours.
The problem stems as far back as 2020, when concerned residents drafted a petition. The petition was signed before being sent to the mayor of the time.
However, to their dismay, nothing was done with those flats, and, to date, the owner continues to build more flat units. This, despite a notice being issued in June 2021 by the city’s chief building inspector that all construction work was to cease with immediate effect.
According to one of the residents, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the unfinished block was a playground for children during the December holiday. Luckily, no one was injured there.
Also read: Glen Austin residents push back against non-approved developments
Midrand Reporter saw the flats under construction, and they are not cordoned off. The walls are exposed and pose a danger to anyone there.
President Park residents are concerned because the units are breaking building regulations, without even sewer connections.
“They simply let all the waste collect in a dam which overflows when it rains,” said one concerned neighbour, who requested to speak anonymously. “My property has been filled with sewage. My tenants can’t drive to their door due to the mud slides that are created by the sewage from these illegal developments.”
Read more: City Power continues smart metering project in Klipfontein, after success in Mayibuye
The neighbour also accused the city of sluggishness in dealing with the matter, saying it has now resulted in an environmental disaster.
The Southeast Midrand Suburban Alliance (Semsa) tried to intervene and assist the concerned neighbours two years ago, but with no luck.
Semsa chairperson Kobashaan Naidoo said illegal developments continue to occur with no enforcement or intervention, despite multiple complaints and legal frameworks in place to prevent them. “This property has ongoing illegal development and environmental pollution, despite numerous complaints to planning authorities over multiple years.
These should evidence our attempts to follow the city’s process and engagement like responsible citizens.
Also read: Informal settlement in Glen Austin AH concerns local industrial park
“We, as Semsa, have escalated through our ward councillor, and various inspectors, up to HODs, MMCs, mayors, city managers, regional directors, and integrated development planning, but have not had resolution of these items, or anything done to curb the illegal building, despite multiple follow up engagements with city officials.”
City’s spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane, mayor’s spokesperson Chris Vondo, and the environmental health, land use, and rezoning departments were contacted for comment, to ascertain plans in place to ensure that the owner is held accountable, and what has led to the delay in the city, and its relevant departments, dealing with the issue when it first started.
However, no response to the paper was forthcoming, despite being reminded several times to comment.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We’d love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
