/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

Sol Plaatje municipality is flouting processes in an attempt to bulldoze through a gap-housing development in Southridge, Kimberley on a site prone to sewerage spills.

While the Democratic Alliance (DA) is in favour of development, we are vehemently opposed to the municipality taking unlawful and potentially damaging shortcuts to win votes for the ANC ahead of elections.

The sewerage network in Southridge is overburdened and neglected. Sewage spills have troubled the area for years. Currently, a sewerage lake stretches across the veld from Smart Street to Landbou Way.  Sol Plaatje is facing legal claims because of houses in White City that were flooded as a result of the municipality’s broken sewerage network. It is inconceivable that it is prepared to follow the same route, without adequately addressing the city’s sewerage challenges.

The site in question is not serviced and the new property owners will have to make do without running water, sanitation or electricity until the bankrupt municipality has funds to address this. In addition, Sol Plaatje has failed to facilitate public participation. It has also not given any consideration to previous applications for the site in question.

Sol Plaatje is manipulating its land and other immovable assets policy, through its decision to sell the property at less than 40% of its market value. This clause is intended only for sale of property to state organs and may not be applied to sales to individuals. It will negatively impact house prices in Southridge.

The municipality has further stipulated that only residents of Phomolong may apply to purchase the 109 sites, initiating bias against residents of other surrounding communities, such as Greenpoint and Southridge itself.  The proposed beneficiaries are also not on the waiting list for the Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP).

The entire development raises more questions than answers and cannot be condoned in its current state.

The DA has requested a detailed list of the FLISP and other applications for the site, in addition to the list of intended beneficiaries.  We will oppose the development in Council and support a community petition to ensure fairness, due process and service delivery prevails.

Issued by Wesley van Rooyen, Cllr - Sol Plaatje Municipality