Owner told to demolish illegal Waterkloof helipad

THE owner of a paved area in Waterkloof, initially intended as a private helipad but never used, has demolished the structure at the City of Tshwane's instruction due to a lack of official authorisation.

- RAPULA MOATSHE

The City’s new administration had discovered the paved area in February, expressing surprise at its existence and deeming it an unauthorised helipad, leading to its subsequent demolition.

Businessman Arnold Pistorius proposed the Waterkloof site as a helipad in 2016, but it was never used for that purpose.

He reportedly said the facility was intended to facilitate business travel and provide emergency landing options for the surrounding community.

Following his proposal the then-Tshwane administration granted conditional approval, however, the project stalled after Waterkloof Primary School declined to grant consent due to safety concerns.

The unauthorised helipad was located opposite the school at the intersection of Julius Jeppe and Crown Streets.