New Zandspruit development announced

The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) has announced a new urban development plan for what they call the Zandspruit Study Area, which, if realised, will affect large areas of Honeydew, Ruimsig, Lazer Park, and surroundings.

The new plan, drawn up by Plan Associates, will see development taking place both within the existing Zandspruit informal settlement, and surrounding areas, where large swathes of land have been identified for medium-density housing (60 dwellings per hectare).

An overview of the plan was presented to members of the community during a public meeting called by Ward 97 councillor Jacques Hoon at the Roodepoort Civic Centre in Christiaan de Wet Road on Thursday, March 14.

The presentation was done by representatives of Plan Associates as well as the JDA, but due to the relatively short notice, very few community members were in attendance.

The plan also proposes more development in the industrial areas of Hondeydew and Lazer Park as well as two Gautrain stations.

Community members at the meeting expressed concern regarding the type of housing planned and the likely loss of open spaces and agricultural areas. Concerns were also raised regarding the seemingly stalled development of the PWV3 and PWV5 national roads along which a lot of the development is planned.

Proposed developments will affect three wards, of which Ward 97 is one.

Honeydew Residents Association chairperson Izak van Rooyen expressed his concern over the draft development plan, saying that although well-thought-through development should be welcomed, it is important to take into account how these developments will affect residents who reside in these areas.

Van Rooyen, as well as other residents also expressed concern over the tight deadline for public comments.

“How can they hold one public meeting at short notice, and announce that the deadline for public comment is only a few days later? This is a comprehensive plan that will affect our communities. They did not allow for enough time to properly study the plan.”

The deadline for registration to comment on the plan is March 19, and the deadline for public comment is March 25.

The plan can be viewed at the Roodepoort Civic Centre, the Honeydew Police Station, or on the JDA’s website.