Press - Winds of Change

The Winds of Change Blow Through Linbro Park

Landfill Site undergoes metamorphosis

Pikitup Johannesburg has taken the first steps in tackling one of the most ambitious landfill rehabilitation projects ever undertaken by the company. This is the first phase of the Linbro Park development project, which was launched by Pikitup on the 1st of September 2005. The company is determined to make a positive impact in changing the current landscape of Linbro Park. The first phase will begin the process of transforming the well known landfill site into a passive recreational and educational area with environmentally focussed

facilities that will ultimately serve all the communities in the vicinity and the community at large. The development will showcase an evolution that will in due course become a multi-functional community driven area that will permanently alter the panorama of Johannesburg. The first phase, which has seen the commencement of the rehabilitation of the eastern side of the landfill site, incorporates an area designed for public use. The passive recreational facility currently consists of a nature trail, which was also designed to cater for wheelchair usage, as well as a horse trail that runs adjacent to the trail. There are also rest areas, which can be used by communities for various recreational activities.

The area has also been landscaped to reflect the indigenous appearance of LinbroParkbefore urban development took hold, with numerous native trees and shrubs planted throughout the eastern plateau.

“This initiative is closely linked to Pikitup’s vision of becoming not only the pioneering, but also the most environmentally-focussed waste management company in Africa. Projects such as this provide us with an opportunity to establish real working partnerships with the communities we serve on a daily basis,” says Pikitup’s Business Development Executive, Francois van Aswegen.

Pikitup worked closely with the Linbro Park Residents Committee and other local forums and other local community forums to reach consensus on the future plans for the landfill site. Insitela, a landscaping design company, was brought on board to work closely with the residents and Pikitup in designing the final product. The plans have also been developed in consultation with the two relevant authorities being the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and the Gauteng Department of Agriculture Conservation and Environment.

“We all know that successful partnerships are ones in which all parties involved make progress towards objectives which are mutually understood and agreed upon. Partnerships that we have managed to forge with the surrounding communities, which I’m positive will result in the entire city seeing the fruits of our combined efforts,” says van Aswegen.

The LinbroParklandfill site has become one of the best known landmarks of north eastern Johannesburg. The site has served the northern areas of Johannesburgfor 36 years. During this time Johannesburghas undergone rapid growth, with a myriad of suburbs sprouting in the area. The growth in development ranges from the commercial and office space in LinbroParkto new extensions of Alexandra.

Given the rapid proliferation of commercial and residential development, the site is quickly reaching the end of its operational lifespan. Informed estimates have it that it will reach its maximum potential within the next 16 months.

It is envisaged that the Linbro Park rehabilitation project will reach its completion within the next five years, with the ambitious second phase due to begin after the complete closure of the landfill site. The second phase of the project will incorporate the UNISA and Community Participation Area, amongst others. The area is planned to include an eco-diverse wetland, herb growing gardens, a library, community centre, environmental education centre, botanical gardens and a nursery. A composting operation, a materials recycling facility and a waste transfer station are also envisaged.

Both phases of the project reflect the company’s commitment to establishing and building relationships with affected communities, whilst at the same time assisting in the establishment of viable eco-diverse systems in the city.

The second phase of the project will also directly contribute to job creation. During this stage the temporary labour pool will be drawn from the surrounding communities to work on the various elements during the rehabilitation programme.

Pikitup is expecting the area to become a hive of development and will also include other projects, such as the proposed Gautrain station which will be developed near the north eastern side of the property.

“We have come a long way since the first time we engaged the local communities to discuss the future of the site. From rather turbulent beginnings to the establishment of a far more open and cooperative relationship, we have all prevailed for the good of the project. I firmly believe that together we will leave a positive legacy in the area for generations to come,” says van Aswegen.

02/09/2005