Outcry as land earmarked for school field hijacked

Land Intended for Laerskool Elarduspark Sports Field Taken Over by Waste Pickers

Land earmarked for the development of a sports field for Laerskool Elarduspark has been illegally occupied by waste pickers, sparking public concern. The site, located behind the Pretoria east “ghost” mall near the closed Garstkloof landfill, is owned by the metro. The growing number of waste pickers has transformed the area into an unauthorized waste sorting site, raising safety and environmental issues.

Illegal Recycling Activity and Safety Concerns

– The Garstkloof landfill reached full capacity in 2013 and encountered issues such as smouldering compost heaps emitting smoke.
– The area has been labeled a “crime den,” with reports of criminal activities taking place in the vicinity.
– The presence of waste pickers has led to safety risks for residents and environmental hazards due to improper waste management practices.

Community Outcry and Official Response

Lyttelton Sector 4 Community Policing Subforum (LS4 CPSF) spokesperson Shawn Fouche expressed disappointment over the misuse of the land intended for sports fields. Fouche highlighted that the property has been occupied by numerous individuals engaging in illegal waste sorting activities, posing health and safety risks to the community.

– Fouche emphasized that the unauthorized waste sorting not only threatens public health but also attracts rodents and poses fire hazards.
– Carcasses and snares have been discovered on the land, raising concerns about the impact on the nearby nature reserve.
– Fouche stressed the urgent need to repurpose the land for its intended use as sports grounds to benefit the local schools and community.

Official Statements and Proposed Solutions

– The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) clarified that the land was leased to the school and advised securing it with a fence to prevent intrusions.
– GDE acknowledged the challenges of maintaining the sports field due to high costs and recommended cost-effective measures to safeguard the property.
– The metro confirmed the existence of a lease agreement with the school and expressed intentions to address the illegal occupation through a 30-day contravention notice.

Future Actions and Potential Resolutions

– The city authorities have issued a warning to the lessee regarding the illegal occupation and outlined potential consequences if the issue is not resolved promptly.
– Failure to comply with the notice may lead to the termination of the lease agreement and the city taking over the property’s management to mitigate the situation.
– Efforts are underway to reclaim the land for its original purpose as sports grounds, ensuring a safe and regulated environment for the community.

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Source: The Citizen