Incomplete GO!Durban road works angers businesses
Business owners said they have suffered a huge loss since the constructions began.
NEW GERMANY businesses have expressed their frustration with the ongoing road works, which they claim are taking no longer than anticipated.
The road works are part of the GO!Durban project, an integrated rapid public transport network (IRPTN), that aims to provide a flexible, safe, cost effective and seamless transport experience for the people of Durban which was launched in 2013.
This is not the first time that the New Germany businesses have been unsatisfied with the procedures as last year there was a deviation along Qashana Khuzwayo Road, at the intersection of Escom and Blase Roads in Pinetown, which was initially scheduled for three months, but took more than a year.
Business owners said they have suffered a huge loss since the constructions started and to make matters worse, there are parkings which have been removed because of the construction.
New Germany CPF chairman, Tony da Canha also raised an issue of a drive-in which has been opened to gain entry into the shops in Shepstone Road.
“A pedestrian was knocked by a car recently and I am very concerned that this will cause a head on collision,” he said.
Da Canha said this entrance is now being used by motorists to exit the business area as the traffic is unbearable.
A manager from one of the shops said these upgrades are taking longer than expected.
“Vehicles do not have ample parking space which causes major congestion. The closing of the some of the parking area is having a detrimental effect on the business, hence a loss of customers which means a loss of income.”
He said the electricity and water supply has been cut off on numerous occasions due to the negligence of the contractors who have not tried to trace the cables.
“The GO!Durban project will be a success in the future, but what about the present situation. The single lane and parking bay have led to many road rage incidents and frustrates customers,” he said.
Tozi Mthethwa, head of the eThekwini communications unit, said the access referred to was created by the contractor as an ‘entrance only’.
“There are clear ‘no entry’ signs at the bottom of the ramp. Those using this ramp are disobeying the law and should be prosecuted accordingly.
Mthethwa said the construction in this vicinity is scheduled to be completed in October 2016.
“However construction of the station will continue (within the Bus Rapid Transit lanes) until early next year.
“The area where these shops are, is due to be resurfaced shortly and once complete, parking bays and traffic flow within the parking area should return to normal.
She said some of the delays have been caused by the unexpected inclement weather.
“When the City originally began this project – due diligence was done in terms of public participation. Since then a number of meetings have been held in Pinetown to update residents and businesses on the progress of the construction.
“The contractors have also notified the businesses via printed flyers,” concluded Mthethwa.
