New work planned despite Pretoria Road debacle

“When I spoke to the Ekurhuleni Roads Department, I was informed that the initial contractor — who was dismissed by the metro for failure to meet his December 31 deadline — was awarded another contract for the upgrade of the intersection of Pretoria and Springs roads, which will commence next week,” Kruger said on Friday, February 5.

“It was also revealed that the metro intended to start construction on the Pretoria and Vlei roads intersection, while Pretoria Road construction is still unfinished.”

Kruger expressed concerns regarding the businesses based at Rynfield Terrace Shopping Centre, as the centre is on the corner of Pretoria and Vlei roads.

In addition to the unfinished portion of Pretoria Road near the centre’s entrance, she was afraid the upcoming work would add to pressure already created by the weakening economy.

The EMM said a work package was submitted to the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA) to procure contractors for the completion of the outstanding work on Pretoria Road.

“As an interim solution, the city’s maintenance division is grading the road to make it user-friendly,” said Themba Gadebe, EMM spokesperson.

“Maintenance of the work will continue until a contractor is appointed.

“While the construction of Phase One (Raeburn to Parker) and Phase Two (Parker to Vlei) was being carried through, the rain caused a delay at critical periods during the project execution.

“The execution of the project was also a challenge due to heavy traffic in the areas.”

Kruger said the tender process usually takes between two and six months, but she was determined to speed up the process.

“The pressure we’re putting on EMM is starting to work, it won’t take too long to get a new contractor,” she added.

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