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Problems mushroom for ward councillor Carol Blaymire

Lucia Walker

Ward 91 councillor Carol Blaymire has been suspended by the Democratic Alliance (DA) pending an investigation into her handling of the Hyundai static helium balloon issue at Mushroom Farm Park.

MP for Sandton constituency for the DA, Ian Ollis announced this on Monday at the second public meeting held to address residents’ concerns over the balloon and its environmental impact on the park.

Blaymire, who was in the limelight for the past few months regarding her statement that she was not aware of the plans Hyundai and Aerial Displays had for the park, did not make an appearance at the public meeting.

She also said Hyundai gave City Parks money as a bribe. She has since retracted that statement, following media scrutiny. Oscar Oliphant, City Parks senior manager for stakeholder liaison, assured residents that no bribes were made or accepted.

He also told residents that the department had no records or knowledge that Mushroom Farm Park was a wetland.

He confirmed the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development would give a report on whether it was a wetland or not at the end of January and the outcome would be made public.

Councillor Christo Botes, the DA convenor for town planning and urban management said that special 2010 Fifa World Cup by-laws had been put in place since South Africa was announced the host country.

“Agreements have been signed by the host cities in this regard.

“According to the advertising by-law, the sponsor of the event has priority on billboards across the country, as well as the balloon. However, whatever happens during the World Cup must leave a lasting legacy,” said Botes. He said that Fifa did not make provisions for public participation as the time for preparing for the event was short.

Botes said that in the event that there was discrepancy, the Fifa by-law would apply.

Cara Reilly of Sandton Central Management District reminded residents that the plans for the park, which included a coffee shop were discussed and stated in the master plan, drawn up and agreed by the public before Bombela used the park for the Gautrain developments.

luciaw@caxton.co.za

Published on January 26, 2010 at 11:24 am