Julie Bruiners, who lives in Mozart Street, Harmony Park said: "As the crow flies I am the closest house to the rubble which is being transported from the old Pacaltsdorp Primary School that was demolished after the new school was built. One day we saw the trucks backing up next to the perimeter fence of the Apostolic Faith Mission Church (AFM) where they tipped the rubble in what we have assumed all the years was a green belt."
Steven Erasmus, director of Planning and Housing at the George Municipality said that the rubble was placed on a portion of land that is currently being leased to the church at the request of the church. They apparently want to use the rubble to create a parking area in the next seven to 14 days. "The matter will be followed up after 14 days."
Bruiners was shocked when she realised that the rubble was to be flattened for a parking area saying that, as abutting neighbours, separated only by a river, they should have been informed of council's approval. The area is on a commonage in an eco-friendly river course area. "Will we be covered by insurance for storm damage if the course of the river has been altered?"
Bruiners' daughter, Chrystal said this is a recipe for disaster as the parking will be sheltered from view and next to a thick wooded river area. "I hope council's facilities will be available when we phone for help once we hear the screams for help from the bushes. A criminal element will be attracted here as it will be quiet and dark at night."
Erasmus said that his officials have assured him that everything was done in accordance with the lease agreement and all the necessary council procedures have been followed.
Another neighbour pointed out that a sewerage line with manhole covers runs parallel to the western boundary fence of the church property. "It is approximately 30 metres from the boundary under the rubble."
Building rubble has also been dumped in Aloe Street, Seaview, on a public open space next to a café. A resident known to the George Herald who stays in the vicinity says he will be making a parking area for the café. Building rubble has also been seen on two private property ervens in Heather Road, Harmony Park.'
The rubble in Rose Street next to the AFM Church. Photos: Myron Rabinowitz
ARTICLE: MYRON RABINOWITZ
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