DA petitions against ‘excessive densification’ of Marble Hall housing development
MARBLE HALL – The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality (EPMLM) has launched a petition against a proposed housing development on Erf 625, Marble Hall Extension 5, citing a sharp increase in planned density and strain on already failing municipal services.
The party said the petition was launched on 13 May 2026, following public outcry over changes to the original development plan.
According to Flip Jacobs, DA Councillor in EPMLM, the party is concerned that the initial plan provided for 53 housing units but was amended to 92 stands, a 73% increase in density.
“The DA is not opposed to development, however, development must be responsible, transparent, and aligned with available infrastructure capacity,” Jacobs said.
Jacobs argued that the proposed densification is unrealistic given the state of municipal infrastructure in Marble Hall.
“At present, such excessive densification is unrealistic given the already overburdened roads, water and sanitation infrastructure as well as the failing electricity grid. Marble Hall residents are facing water outages and sewer system failures daily. Approving high-density development under these conditions will place additional strain on the current vulnerable systems,” he said.
The DA also raised concerns over an application to cancel an already approved subdivision plan, saying the motivation had not been made public.
Jacobs said the party has formally objected to the application in terms of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) and is calling on the municipality to release all required technical assessments before any decision is taken.
Jacobs urged residents to take part in the public participation process.
“The DA encourages residents to submit written objections before the closing date of 25 May 2026, as public participation is a critical part of lawful decision-making,” he said.
Life Nape, EMLM Spokesperson, confirmed that the municipality received a development application for the property in question.
“The application is still under review and has not yet reached the decision stage. Public participation is currently underway and will run from 24 April 2026 to 25 May 2026. This process is being conducted in accordance with Section 94 of the EPMLM Spatial Planning and Land Use Management By-law, 2017,” he said.
Nape said the municipality encourages interested and affected parties to submit comments and objections during this period.
“The municipality acknowledges the infrastructure-related concerns raised by residents. The property is located within a proclaimed township, and all required engineering services have been provided for,” explained Nape.
He stated that all concerns and submissions received from stakeholders through the proper channels will be considered in line with Sections 92, 93, and 95 of the EPMLM Spatial Planning and Land Use Management By-law, 2017.
