- Past planning policies are greatly responsible for creating city sprawl through the use
of buffer zones, resulting in the inefficient use of land.
- Mining activity and undermining of parts of Greater Johannesburg has left large tracts
of land fallow and subject to development constraints. This is considered to be wasted
space rather than open space.
- In the southwestern parts of Soweto most open space is used for illegal dumping. The
Klip River belt is therefore a very important environmental resource which needs
maintenance and protection (SMLC: LDO, 1997). Open spaces in the southeastern parts of
Soweto are mostly used for scrapyards and urban agriculture, and is in need of management.
- In the southern parts of the metropolitan area most open space is used for illegal
dumping or agricultural purposes. In the western areas many of the agricultural areas are
under threat of residential encroachment, and a serious cost analysis needs to be
undertaken to determine the value of urban agriculture versus residential utilisation
(WMLC: LDO, 1997).
- Many open spaces in the jurisdiction of the NMLC are under threat from illegal dumping
and littering (NMLC: LDO, 1997). No formal open space system exists in the Diepkloof /
Orlando areas and open spaces are not utilised to their full potential. Most vacant land
has serious geotechnical restraints, due to shallow mining, for future development. In the
vicinity of Mayfair and Industria West, open spaces are not maintained at acceptable
levels and encroachment onto open spaces takes place.
- Population growth, the development of businesses and industries, and the fact that
Greater Johannesburg is becoming more built up, all impact on open spaces.
REFERENCES
NMLC, WMLC, SMLC 1997: Land Development Objectives. |
