Letters/Discussion Forums
Proposed Ghazel township poses many risks
YAEL POLLAK
Yael Pollak of Johannesburg writes:
Proposed township development in Glenhazel poses many risks
Interested residents of the Glenhazel, Sandringham, Linksfield, Senderwood, Fairview, Sunningdale and surrounding areas, should take note of a proposed development in the area, as it may affect them. I’m talking about a proposed development on the vacant grounds parallel to the Sandringham Dip.
The township under consideration will comprise 8 000 settlements, public schools and shopping facilities.
I maintain that the sudden influx of people will generate enormous risks to the area, specifically with regard to security, infrastructure, sanitation, and traffic. In addition, this development will expose the community to serious health risks as the land earmarked for development, houses the graves of people and animals that have died from diseases such as smallpox and anthrax.
These dormant bacteria may once again proliferate and place the community at risk of infection, especially to those who have not been immunised (anyone under the age of 30).
The proposed development area is also believed to contain a Jewish cemetery, whose exact location is unknown. During development, these graves are most likely to be desecrated.
Environmentalists have raised concerns about the threat the development will pose to the natural habitat and ecosystem of the flora and fauna there, including many protected species.
The land due for development borders the Sizwe Tropical Disease Hospital where patients are treated for multiple and extensive drug-resistant tuberculosis. Patients are treated at the hospital, away from their communities and families, as their disease is contagious and highly infectious. A development that would encroach on the hospital, would put both the patients and the surrounding communities in a highly compromised state.
I believe it is in our interest as a community to all register our complaints and concerns before development and construction begins. Please send an e-mail as soon as possible to lizelleg@mweb.co.za, attention Lizelle Gregory/Juanita de Beer, stating that you wish to register as an interested and affected party.
concerned
January 12, 2014 at 12:51 am
‘8,000 settlements means anywhere between 40,000 and 160,000 people, if properties in Orange Grove are any yardstick.
This is all part of the govt plan to instigate complaints so that they can shout racism again.’
MAdness!!!
January 31, 2014 at 10:52 am
‘This is no acceptable!!’
L.Klass
February 1, 2014 at 6:30 am
‘
Who would know the impact of disturbing the soil and the consequences . It could lead to a total disaster and I would highly suggest they leave things as it is . A terrible
idea altogether
‘
Miriam Davidowitz
May 29, 2014 at 6:56 am
‘I would like to wait and see the ultimate plans of this new development before we all get our knickers in a knot and decide it will be a disaster. The need for more housing for our population is very important, but we must insist when the time comes that the cemeteries will be honoured and not defiled in any way and that any danger to one’s health with building on this site will be well and truly investigated. I had an old and trusted male servant who was so well treated many years ago in this hospital so maybe the staff – if they are still there – will have something to contribute to our medical fraternity – so lets wait and see – it will in all probability still take years to come to fruition – if you take the Huddle Park scheme into consideration. There was no risk there but many residents of the area are complaining bitterly over nitty gritty little \”problems\” that will endanger their way of life as they know it with no concern at how the area needs a new green belt. I believe the new golf course has already proven it’s success. Patience people, patience. ‘