(by Develd Monyai) Residents seem to fighting a losing battle in preventing the destruction of a wetland between Harry Galaun Road & Le Roux Avenue. Developers have invaded the large vlei that has the Vorna Valley stream running through it, and the installation of water pipes is well under way. PNR Construction was given the contract for a residential development on a wetland by Century Developments.

CEO of Century Developments, Mark Corbett, said that EIA papers and approval from the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Conservation were in his hands. "The approval was signed 18 months ago. Due to the huge development happening in general in the area, the water supply is under pressure and Jo'burg Water approved our project of installing additional water pipes." Corbett said the development included 800 units.

BUT, a series of meetings in the past between city council's environmental department and Joburg City Parks had identified the area as part of the master plan development of the Vorna Valley open space system. R2 million was commissioned by Joburg City Parks to be spent on rehabilitating and conserving the area, and developing a park.

"The extremely sensitive wetland was deteriorating rapidly ," said Jenny Moodley, spokesperson for Joburg City Parks. "The Environmental Conservation Department felt that the area had to be conserved. The bulldozing and construction currently taking place there was actually commissioned by Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) and our report and recommendations on the area are being sent to JRA."

Councillor Annette Deppe said, "City Council and the company involved have violated environmental laws and no proper procedure was followed." Andile Gumed, spokesman for the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and conservation said, "We will give the matter our full attention once we have consulted with the relevant people here." (Powered by Midrand Reporter)