Turmoil is brewing in the small town of Cullinan over an informal settlement coming their way.

The City of Tshwane (CoT) announced plans late last year to buy an agricultural property in Cullinan, establish 1 600 stands for informal housing thereon, and allocate them to Mamelodi residents living in flood-prone areas.

According to a petition and residents’ calculations, allocating 1 600 stands means about five people per stand, which totals the relocation of about 8 000 people to this property. More than 200 Cullinan residents have already signed the petition against the relocation.

Concerned residents Leon and Meleney Kriel said that while the relocation initiative is intended to alleviate unsafe living conditions, it has sparked significant concern among Cullinan stakeholders, prompting the creation of a dedicated committee to evaluate its potential impact.

Representing town management, businesses and public and private interests, the committee has highlighted several pressing issues that require resolution before any relocation can proceed.

“The strain on existing road networks and public transport systems poses a significant challenge. An influx of residents could exacerbate unemployment and place additional pressure on local resources.

“Ensuring sufficient water supply for the relocated population and existing residents is a critical concern. The potential for untreated sewage, waste and stormwater runoff to harm the environment needs thorough examination.

“Safeguarding the dignity and well-being of relocated Mamelodi residents is paramount. Local law enforcement, healthcare and other essential services might become overwhelmed.

“The availability of pre-, primary and secondary schools to accommodate the new population remains unclear. Parts of Refilwe and its informal housing areas already lack adequate services, raising questions about further expansion.

“Cullinan’s reputation as a cultural gem and tourist destination could suffer from unplanned development. There are also concerns about the actual intention behind the relocation and scepticism about whether the vacated Mamelodi area will truly remain uninhabited.”

The Kriels say Cullinan residents and stakeholders have urged the CoT to do a full environmental impact assessment before proceeding with the project. They advocate for a formal low-cost housing development with proper infrastructure established in advance rather than an informal settlement that could lead to sprawling and unsustainable growth.

The committee emphasised that a thoughtfully planned relocation initiative, prioritising infrastructure and the dignity of all involved, is essential to prevent long-term challenges for Cullinan and its surrounding areas.

The DA Gauteng spokesperson for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Leanne de Jager, said it is worrying that the CoT, in association with the Gauteng Province, is planning to move the victims of the 2022 Mamelodi flood to a site in Cullinan.

This site according to her encompasses several grave sites, with some graves dating back to the 1700s, a wetland and a historical site with several forts built at the time of the Boer War when Paul Kruger was president. The ruins of a hospital built in 1906 are also on this site.

This discovery was made at a recent DA oversight inspection for the proposed development site. De Jager said three failed environmental impact studies were ignored. De Jager said the proposed development site encompasses a crucial wetland that supports diverse fauna and flora species unique to this ecosystem.

“This planned development should be halted with immediate effect, and more suitable land should be sought for the proposed relocation of the Mamelodi flood victims.”

De Jager said the DA will pressure the MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, and the MEC for Human Settlements, Tasneem Motara, to immediately halt the development and seek alternate land for the project. No comment was received from the Gauteng Department of Human Settlement nor the CoT when going to press.