DA objects to Marble Hall subdivision plan, cites water and sewer strain 

MARBLE HALL – The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality (EPMLM) has formally objected to a proposed subdivision that would nearly double the number of residential on Erf 625 in Marble Hall Extension 5.

According to Cllr Flip Jacobs, MMC for Planning and Economic Development in EPMLM, the DA lodged the objection to contest an application seeking to increase the subdivision from about 53 erven to 92 residential erven.

Jacobs said the main concern is infrastructure capacity. “The successful excessive densification of Erf 625 will directly impact the current state and operational capacity of existing municipal infrastructure, particularly water and sewer reticulation systems already under severe strain in Marble Hall,” he stated.

The DA argues that adding nearly 40 more households without matching upgrades to water, sewer and other municipal services would worsen existing problems.

“Residents in the area already report water interruptions, sewer challenges and unreliable municipal services,” Jacobs noted.

The party has requested the complete application record and all supporting technical documentation to verify compliance with the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act, the Ephraim Mogale SPLUMA By-Law of 2017, and the principles of lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair administrative action under PAJA.

Jacobs also raised questions about the Ephraim Mogale Municipality’s role in the application. “It also appears that the municipality itself is the owner/applicant in parts of the documentation,” he said.

Public opposition to the plan has been significant. Following the DA’s petition against the densification of Erf 625, 148 written objections were submitted by residents citing concerns about service delivery, infrastructure capacity and the future of the area.

“The matter is now under formal review by the municipality,” Jacobs said. The DA says all legal and administrative remedies remain under consideration pending the municipality’s response and assessment of the full application record.

“The DA will continue to fight for lawful, transparent and sustainable development which is in the best interests of residents. Existing service delivery failures and infrastructure constraints cannot simply be ignored while higher-density developments are being considered to turn a quick profit,” Jacobs said.

At the time of going to press, EPMLM Spokesperson, Life Nape, could not respond to the publication’s enquiries.