Mushroom informal settlement no more, metro shares development plans
“We are however currently looking at long-term solutions for the future in respect of facilitating recycling communities, as some of those relocated from Mushroom Farm, already left Sutherland Ridge and started living in the surrounding fields once again.”
The relocation of illegal land occupants in West Street across SuperSport Park, also known as the Mushroom Farm informal waste recycling settlement, Centurion, is complete.
According to alderman Peter Sutton, DA councillor of ward 78, the developer secured the property with a fence and security guards.
“A strong security presence will remain on-site 24 hours per day to ensure the area is protected against potential new settlers on the land until the area is developed.”
Sutton said the area was cleared of all structures and the occupants were moved to Sutherland Ridge.
“We are, however, currently looking at long-term solutions for the future in respect of facilitating recycling communities, as some of those relocated from Mushroom Farm, already left Sutherland Ridge and started living in the surrounding fields once again.”
Sutton said although development plans were hampered by Covid-19 regulations in the past, the development of the land is in the discussion stage and no formal and final information is available on the future development.
“Covid and the disaster management period has taken its toll on the private sector, and we await to be informed of the final plan by the developer.”
“What is important, however, is that the court order was executed, and we expect that the community around the Hennops River will notice an improvement. The inhabitants of Mushroom Farm will also be in a healthier environment from now on.”
Rekord reported earlier that Sutton said with the cleaning and clearing of the site, his focus will shift primarily and as part of a team, to the long-term and sustainable plan on how informal waste collection will be formalised and incorporated as part of a holistic plan.
“We will have to monitor other vacant land areas to avoid similar situations and municipal land portions will be covered by the metro’s illegal land invasion unit.
“I want to thank the private landowner for their contribution and assistance; the metro officials, who delivered on the commitment to get this done; and mayor Randall Williams, who in my humble opinion, was the turning point catalyst at the metro to get to where we are today.”
He thanked the CPF, “especially LS1 and security companies who assisted with the relocation, and all other role-players I might not even be aware of”.
“Very importantly to councillor Gert Visser, the ward councillor who did the hard work and foundation laying to see this through. With the ward boundary changes, this specific area fell away from ward 65 but the hard work was done long before I got involved. I was just part of the final execution,” Sutton said.
“Also, to the Doringkloof and Die Hoewes community and petitioners who were frustrated and angry for several years due to the situation.
“I have taken note of all the criticisms, comments, and messages over the past few months I was on the groups. I hope this finalisation of the matter gives you some sort of closure.”
Sutton concluded that there are “many” more critical problems to address, and he ensured the community of the councillors’ ongoing commitment to doing so.
ALSO READ: Occupants to be moved from Mushroom Farm soon
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