Carlo Petersen
THE city has rejected as “absurd” the Wynberg community’s suggestion to change a new MyCiTi bus route that will see 26 homes demolished.
A dual carriageway, which will pass through South Road between the M5 and Main Road, and beneath the southern suburbs railway line near Wittebome railway station, will leave more than 100 residents homeless.
The Wynberg Residents’ Ratepayers Association (WRRA) has proposed two alternative routes, which will not leave any residents homeless.
“We propose that better, more viable and cost-effective alternatives exist that integrate with the existing public transport networks.
“Also, that the city’s uses existing road space, with sections big enough to accommodate additional bus lanes and no houses have to be demolished,” said WRRA chairwoman Kristina Davidson.
Davidson said the community would like the route to be acceptable to the entire community, including businesses, residents and the transport industry.
However, Mayco member for Transport Brett Herron said: “It is quite frankly absurd to suggest we now pursue another road and incur costs of expropriation of properties we don’t own – that would most certainly amount to wasteful expenditure.
“The alternative proposals have been considered. They are not viable. We don’t own properties on those roads and would have to proclaim a new road reserve and expropriate servitude or properties from the owners.
“None of that makes sense when compared with the South Road scheme, which also provides a better public transport solution.
“The residents signed lease agreements with a termination clause for when the properties are required for municipal purposes.
“Some lessees are aware that the property is earmarked for demolition. They are completely aware that this time was coming.”
The community has since turned to the ANC for help.
ANC MPL Cameron Dugmore and city councillor Bheki Hadebe were shown alternatives to the city’s planned route as they joined the WRRA on a tour through the area yesterday.
Dugmore assured residents the ANC would take the matter to national government.
“The city’s plan will literally rip through the residential area.
“I did not get the impression the city is really listening to the community and it seems they are not prepared to change their minds.
“If the city is serious about public consultation, the families who still have leases need to be taken care of.
“Mayor Patricia De Lille also needs to come down and look at the alternate routes.
“Clearly, if one looks at the options available, the city’s plan is the worst possible alternative,” he said.
Hadebe told residents the ANC will make sure there is a platform for all parties concerned to air their grievances in the new year.
“We cannot have just one option without comparing it to another. This plan cannot be the best if it is not compared to the other,” he said.