Vredehoek residents oppose City's plan to replace historic wall with fake stones

Four Vredehoek residents are opposing a City of Cape Town proposal to replace a historic dry-packed stone wall at Yeoville sportsfield with artificial materials, fearing it will erase the area's legacy.

Speaking at a public meeting at the sports field on Thursday, October 23, they said it would change the aesthetics, history, and legacy of the area. 

The concept proposes repair by replacing the dry-packed stone section with reinforced concrete and cladding it with simulated stone.

A resident who did not want to be identified was concerned about the proposed fake stone, advocating for natural stone or simply leaving the existing stone.

He also highlighted critical drainage issues in the sports field behind the wall, which he believes is the root cause of the collapses.

"The reason that wall is collapsing is not because it's stone. It's because this field is a sponge in winter. It has no drainage," he said.

The community wants to provide input to the engineers and stressed the need for better communication and consideration of local knowledge to avoid past council project failures.

"I cannot see the logic of putting fake stone on a bit of concrete wall when we've lived very happily with this huge concrete wall for all these years", he said.

The unidentified pensioner said that he was "sick of accepting fake things in life".

Neighbour to the field, Retha Tait raised concern about the time of the meeting, which was at 2pm, and proposed that another meeting or presentation coincide with a community market on Saturday, November 1. 

"It may be short notice, but not many people are available in the middle of the day. Many of us here are pensioners," she said.

Ms Tait said that the "rock fall" displacement of stones from the retaining wall happened two years ago, and that to wait another two years for replacement, they might as well leave it as is.

Resident Bernadette Caboz, who has lived in the area for more than 40 years, said that the adjacent concrete wall was an eyesore.

"I think that everything needs to be done to keep the original look and feel of the stones," she said. 

The project is currently at the concept stage and is expected to take two years for completion after detailed design and approvals.

Project manager Sam Matshisi explained that following feedback from residents on the concept stage, a detailed design would take approximately four months, assuming no objections to the concept.

Based on the historical nature of the area, plans would have to be submitted to the Heritage Council and approved.

"A building plan would have to be approved. It would then be constructed, and it would take another two years after all approvals are obtained," he said. 

Francine Higham, councillor for Ward 77, said they were grateful to all of the residents and stakeholders who attended the open day, to share their feedback and ask questions.

"Your input is invaluable in helping us ensure that the project meets community needs and is implemented in a way that benefits everyone.

"Thank you for taking the time to engage and contribute to shaping improvements in our community," she said. 

Ms Higham said residents could object, but ultimately the wall needed to be fixed, and that suggestions had to be put forward.