Upgraded infrastructure on the cards for Bedfordview
This follows a September 8 article in the NEWS which focused on the failing infrastructure in Bedfordview.
The City of Ekurhuleni has confirmed that it has undertaken an ongoing exercise to prioritise infrastructure renewal and upgrades.
This follows a September 8 article in the NEWS that focused on the failing infrastructure in Bedfordview.
The NEWS highlighted the concerns of Ward 20 councillor, Jill Humphreys, who believes that the infrastructure in Bedfordview could not sustain its existing density let alone what would be required if the suburb was to densify further.
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“Without substantial upgrades to infrastructure, the system is surely going to collapse. A once excellent system is groaning under the weight of no maintenance and no replacements.”
Humphrey’s added that despite continual outcries for infrastructure upgrades in the area, the City of Ekurhuleni keeps approving the development of additional multiple dwellings.
Humphreys pointed out that Bedfordview has many thriving businesses that employ many people.
“But when these businesses have sewerage coursing through their properties for weeks on end and no water in the taps because of repeated bursts, how can such business be sustained?”
She said that desperate residents have in recent weeks watched in horror and disbelief as thousands of litres of fresh, potable water gushed into the streets while their taps ran dry.
According to Humphreys, the rot and decay in Bedfordview was nothing short of spectacular.
Spokesperson for the City, Zweli Dlamini, said in response to a media enquiry sent by the NEWS on September 1 that the Water and Sanitation Department was “undertaking an ongoing exercise to prioritise infrastructure renewal and upgrades based on age, condition and planned developments in the area”.
“Parallel this, the City is looking into blockages and pipe bursts, and complaints received from residents to determine the most critically affected areas,” he said.
Dlamini added that the aim of this was to optimise the City’s already constrained available budget. He also highlighted several projects planned for the Bedfordview area.
Bedfordview bulk water supply
“This entails the upgrade of a 350mm diameter line from Signal Hill Reservoir to Kloof Road. The inception and preliminary stages of the project have been completed and the project is at the detailed design stage,” Dlamini said.
“In addition to this, the City will undertake parallel reinforcements in the Malvern East reservoir zone.
“This entails the construction of approximately 1.3km of 250mm diameter water pipeline along Oxford Road, Kirkby Road and Bradford Road. The inception and preliminary stages of the project have been completed and the project is currently at the detailed design stage”.
He said there are also plans to construct an additional reservoir in Malvern East.
“Water and Sanitation Department has reserved land for the reservoir however, the project has been put on hold due to budget constraints in the current medium-term revenue and expenditure framework (MTREF).”
Dlamini added that the department was in the process of procuring a new professional services panel.
“The detailed design (for the reservoir) will be finalised upon the appointment of the panel”.
Bedfordview sewage
Dlamini said the City has plans to upgrade the Bruma central sewerage lines.
“This entails upgrading of 160mm diameter sewer pipelines along Van Buuren Road, Van Der Linde Road, Kings Road, Hawley Road and Harcus Road.
“The inception and preliminary design stages of the project have been completed. The project has been put on hold due to budget cuts in the current MTREF, but it should be budgeted for in the next MTREF,” Dlamini said.
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