A paved area in Waterkloof, Pretoria, initially intended as a helipad but never utilised for that purpose, has been dismantled by businessman Arnold Pistorius’ teams, despite appeals from local stakeholders to preserve it for community use.
The 15mx15m brick-paved section, situated in a parking lot opposite Waterkloof Primary School at the intersection of Julius Jeppe and Crown streets, was originally proposed for use as a helicopter landing site in 2016 by Pistorius, executive chairperson of Twin City Development.
Pistorius submitted applications to relevant authorities, including the Civil Aviation Authority, Waterkloof Air Force Base, and the Tshwane metro, seeking approval for the helipad to facilitate business travel and provide emergency landing options for the surrounding community.
While the metro granted conditional approval, it required consent from the adjacent school, which ultimately declined due to learner safety concerns and it was never used.
In February this year, the metro discovered the existence of what it surmised was an unauthorised helipad.
MMC for Corporate and Shared Services Kholofelo Morodi said at the time that preliminary assessments indicated no official authorisation was granted for the construction and use of the helipad.
Following the discovery, the metro warned the school that its lease agreement for using the ground as well as the sports ground next to it could be terminated if the unauthorised helipad was not removed.
Despite Pistorius presenting documentation of his 2016 application and arguing for the paved area’s potential benefits, the metro insisted it “be demolished”.
Local business owners and community members expressed frustration over the decision.
Adri Brooks, co-owner of a nearby gym whose more than 300 clients used the paved area for parking, criticised the metro’s lack of discretion and consideration for community needs.
“I just cannot understand why they could not give the community members, like our clients, some leeway to keep on parking there,” said Brooks.
She noted that removing the paving would result in increased dust and mud, adversely affecting adjacent facilities such as the padel and tennis courts nearby.
She also pointed out that since the area was a known wetland, the ground would soon turn into mud and not only in the rainy season. She also mentioned that the terrain was formerly impacted by a blocked stormwater drain, with stormwater streaming onto the terrain.
“The paved area helped to prevent the area from turning into a swamp.”
Brooks and her husband had previously maintained the area, planting grass and ensuring its upkeep to serve as a functional parking space for gym patrons and school staff.
The couple also contributed to the maintenance of the nearby Crown Street Park, including grass cutting and sidewalk upkeep.
Pistorius donated the dismantled bricks to the couple to use in any further endeavours to beautify the community.
Despite these community efforts, the metro maintained its stance on upholding municipal regulations and ensuring that public land is used lawfully and responsibly.
City spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the removal of the unused helipad underscores the city’s commitment to addressing unauthorised structures and preserving the safety and environmental integrity of its public spaces.
– Click here to see a video of the dismantled brick paving:
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