New developments strain city’s infrastructure
Rapid development is transforming Melville, Auckland Park, and Brixton, but at what cost? Councillor Kyle Jacobs and residents raise alarms over strained infrastructure and a lack of transparency in the city's approval process.
There is growing concern over new developments in Melville, Auckland Park, and Brixton, about the impact on already strained infrastructure and the lack of transparency in the approval process.
The developments, ranging from student communes to multi-storey residential buildings, are placing additional pressure on essential services such as water and electricity. Ward 87 councillor Kyle Jacobs expressed deep concern, stating that these areas already experience frequent outages due to infrastructure that cannot meet current demands.
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“These new developments place additional pressure on already struggling bulk infrastructure,” Jacobs said. “We frequently experience water outages due to demand exceeding supply and non-technical losses. On the electricity side, the grid is often overloaded and unable to cope.”
According to Jacobs, all new developments require approval from the city’s Development Planning Department, which must obtain confirmation from internal entities to ensure infrastructure can handle increased demand. However, Jacobs claims approvals are being granted despite the infrastructure’s limitations. “Approvals continue to be signed off by individuals who remain unidentified, even when the existing infrastructure is already failing. This raises serious questions about accountability.”
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Another concern is the lack of public participation in the process. Residents are supposed to have the opportunity to object to new developments through official channels, with objections assessed by a municipal planning tribunal. However, Jacobs claims this process is not being followed. “Residents have submitted objections, yet developments are approved without these objections being properly considered. Both residents and I have written to the relevant officials for clarity, but we have received no response. I have now requested assistance from DA Shadow MMC for Development Planning Daniel Schay, to escalate the matter.”
Jacobs warned that the city’s lack of oversight could lead to legal action from residents and developers, potentially burdening ratepayers with unnecessary costs. He also stressed the importance of sustainable development that balances community needs with economic growth. “We must protect the integrity of our city for future generations. Development is essential, but it cannot come at the expense of existing residents, or the environment.”
To improve transparency, Jacobs suggested enhancing the city’s geographic information system (GIS) to provide real-time updates on building and land use applications, enabling residents to meaningfully engage in shaping their communities. “The city must respond to the concerns raised by me and by residents. Ignoring these processes undermines transparency and the rule of law, and it risks damaging the very fabric of the communities that make this city so vibrant.”
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