Riversands / Diepsloot Commercial Industrial development
Despite flaws in the environmental and town planning
approval processes, the Riversands development has begun construction at
speed. We are raising funds for a legal review of decisions taken on both
the EIA and town planning processes as we believe the processes and
motivations for an industrial park are flawed.
Serious environmental damage has already been done and
issues have been handed over to the Green Scorpions and Public
Protector. Investigations are underway, however the only way to
stop further damage is to apply for a court interdict.
The amphitheatre built for skills development is being
marketed as a commercial concert venue before construction is even
complete. Questions are being raised as to the transparency of the
project, the viability of an industrial precinct, the environmental damage and
true impact vs. benefit to Kyalami and Diepsloot residents. Further concerning is
that industrial precinct will attract more people to Diepsloot which already
has an extreme housing shortage. Added to the electricity and water
crisis we are facing in South Africa, this paints a dire picture of commercial
gain at the expense of marginalised communities, the environment and a viable
equestrian industry in the greater Kyalami community.
There are flaws in both the Environmental and Town planning
processes that were followed. The Environmental Amendment for Phase 1 was
approved a day after comments closed; reasons were not provided to those who appealed;
the appeal was dismissed without substantive reasons. The amendment to
the RSDF went through a public participation, however the developer’s town
planner facilitated these meetings and it can be questioned whether this was an
independent participation process.
We have approached Patrick Mundell, the attorney who has
been dealing with the Makro application in Magaliessig. Much assistance
has been given in terms of legal advice as well as an advocate offering
services to keep costs down, however we your contributions to reach our goal of
R250,000 to cover costs.
Banking details:
Responsible Development
Forum
Standard Bank – Fourways
Crossing
Branch code: 009953
Account: 371 590
310
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