Sizwe Development

Did you know that the ANC government has given permission for the development of a massive new housing scheme on the Rietfontein site, where the Sizwe Tropical Diseases Hospital is currently located?

The development raises many questions, particularly over heritage and environmental issues in the area.

There are a number of grave sites on the land, where victims of anthrax, bubonic plague, smallpox and tropical diseases are buried. Moving these graves could pose a serious health risks to residents.

A specialist in the Environmental Impact Assesment Report (EIA) for the development is quoted as saying that “the anthrax virus can be carried over from animals to humans,” and “wherever the soil is disturbed the spore (anthrax) that is lying dormant can become active again.”

The courts have also ruled previously that grave sites must be protected from developers who are solely interested in making a profit.

There are also serious questions over the potential impact the development will have on the wetlands, fauna and flora currently situated on the site.

The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has objected to the housing development due to the substantial traffic volumes that will result from the large number of new residents moving into the area. The agency has argued that the N3 will not be able to accommodate the increased traffic, particularly during peak hours.

The Sizwe Tropical Diseases Hospital is also a national monument that is over 100 years old.

While the MEC for Health has said there are no plans to move the hospital, the developers are saying that it will be relocated.

Is this another dodgy deal to make money for developers who have political connections, at the expense of local residents?

We will hand this petition in to Parliament, the Gauteng Legislature and the Johannesburg Metro.

Please sign our petition!

Bill Rundle, Councillor Ward 19, billrun@hotmail.com, 074 111 2488    Contact the author of the petition