This as contractors have arrived on-site at Oriel to complete the rehabilitation of the stream which started over three years ago.
The Ward 20 councillor, Clr Jill Humphreys, said she was excited about the progress.
“Although it will not be an overnight job due to the amount of work that is yet to be done, I am happy contractors have returned and work has resumed,” she said.
According to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality’s (EMM) spokesperson, Mr Themba Gadebe, the project was temporarily halted due to the lapsing of the contract with the previous contractor.
In the November 10 online edition of the NEWS, Mr Gadebe said R4-million was available on the council’s budget for the rehabilitation of the stream in the 2014/15 financial year.
The project was supposed to have been completed in December 2013 and the delays have upset residents, some of whom said they became victims of crime after contractors left the site with rubble.
Ms Lesley McDonald and Mr Collin de Waal said they have both had hijacking incidents while pulling into their driveways.
“The hijackers hid behind the rubble left by the [previous] contractors, something which could have been avoided had the park been as clear as it used to be,” said Mr de Waal.
Meanwhile, Ms Samantha Martin has called on the Public Protector’s office to look into the matter and for a forensic investigation to take place.
“Where public money is used, the powers that be need to account. I believe a forensic investigation would help uncover what exactly what is happening with the project,” said Ms Martin.
