Pinetown roadworks bad for business

THE ‘no care’ attitude from GO!Durban project management has angered the business community in Old Main Road, Pinetown.

Businesses around New Germany and Pinetown claim they have suffered a huge blow because of the the roadworks. Prin Mudaly from Drakewood said that they were promised that the roads would be finished in December last year.

“We are not fighting with the developments; we understand that this is the municipality’s way of providing a safe transport for the people. But ever since the roadworks started, sales have dropped by 40 to 70 per cent.”

He said what irritated them the most was that no official from the municipality has liaised with them about the progress of the roadworks.

“Just last week there was no one working on the roads, and we did not get any explanation as to why they had stopped working,” said Mudaly.

Other businessmen said they have endured water and electricity cuts a couple of times, and there are pipes leaking.

“The roadworks are damaging cars – many people have had their tyres and rims damaged as the tar is not level any more.

“It is also costing us money, we have car dealerships and we now have to wash cars regularly because of the dust,” they said.

They have also complained about the traffic and that there are no traffic cops directing traffic.

“This has become a dangerous road as there are no safety regulations,” said Mudaly.

Carlos Esteves, Deputy Manager Road System Management for the ETA, said the reason why there was no one working on the roads was because the contractor was away on pay weekend, which started at 12pm on Thursday, 26 February. Workers resumed on Tuesday, 3 March.

“In a project of this magnitude and complexity,  in terms of the construction environment and having to deal with businesses and communities, matters arise from time to time which necessitate work stopping on some sections. These are handled as they arise, and we seek to minimise any loss of time for the construction, he said.

“Every effort is being made to ensure accessibility and that amenities are maintained in the construction zone practically to mitigate undue loss of patronage.

“It was acknowledged at the beginning that construction activities may result in a disruption to services. All authorities are committed to repair and reinstate amenities as soon as possible.”

With regard to the businesses being left out about the progress on the roads, Esteves said all businesses that are directly affected by the construction works are being engaged with and consulted as required.

“We have had meetings in Pinetown to engage with stakeholders and address concerns. There has also been communication to the public via flyers and social media.”

Esteves also promised that there there would be an even flow of traffic, as Metro Police have agreed to provide additional resources, including additional time to address the congestion and challenges in Chelsea Avenue as well as other intersections in Pinetown that are affected.” he said.

If any businesses or residents have queries regarding the project, they can e-mail info@godurban.co.za.