City halts R40m Valhalla Park housing project

The R40 million project was to accommodate 777 beneficiaries on the housing waiting list

THE city has halted a multi-million housing project in Valhalla Park, Bishop Lavis, after gangsters allegedly intimidated contractors by gun, and held them hostage on two occasions.

In her speech delivered during last week’s council meeting, Mayor Patricia de Lille said the project, which is 90% complete, was meant to provide more than 700 housing opportunities.

“We will not negotiate with or give into the extortion attempts by these criminals, but we will do everything we can to navigate our way out of this delay so that we bring progress to the people of Valhalla Park,” she said.

The R40 million project was to accommodate 777 beneficiaries on the housing waiting list with construction of top structures planned for 2018, De Lille’s spokesperson Zara Nicholson said.

“This part of the project, which was halted, was for construction of civil engineering services, the construction of roads and the construction of a new sewer pump station,” Nicholson said.

Police spokesperson Andre Traut said: “SAPS Bishop Lavis are aware of the situation concerning the threat to contractors in their area and they have engaged with the role players.”

Affected parties were encouraged to report incidents, so that investigations can be conducted.

“It is worthy to mention that arrests have been made in relation to cases that were reported to SAPS in this regard.

“Bishop Lavis police have adequate resources to police the area effectively and will continue their engagements with the relevant parties concerned to seek a solution for the concern.”

The Bishop Lavis Community Policing Forum (CPF) said it has been battling with the spike in gang violence in the area.

“They (gangsters) know authorities are scared of them. It is an issue that comes from last year. They (gangsters) had gone on site and took stuff of staff. They want what we call a protection fee of the stuff,” CPF chairperson Graham Lindhorst said.

“If you don’t pay, they will do a lot to you. We do condemn that because it deprives off crucial services.”

On Sunday three people were shot dead in an alleged gang fight.

The incident happened about a month after three men, including the son of gospel singer pastor Wilmot Fredericks were murdered in a drive-by shooting.

Police said the men aged 23, 33 and 36 were were shot dead in Vygie Street at about 5.30pm on Sunday.