High Street inaction paves way for concern
The gabions that were installed along High Street in New Germany pre-lockdown have started to split and sag.
DESPITE numerous attempts from the local DA PR ward councillor to have a dangerous section along High Street in New Germany repaired – before the rainy season begins – her requests have largely gone ignored by the eThekwini Municipality.
After a downpour earlier this year, prior to lockdown, a section of road along High Street washed away.
Concrete water pipes were broken and the underside of the road was left exposed. The eThekwini Water and Sanitation unit repaired and replaced a section of piping and gabions were assembled at the site to help reinforce the bank.
After only a few months, the gabions started to sag and split, the pavement continued to deteriorate and the stretch of road has, according to Gokool, the DA PR councillor for Ward 21, become a safety hazard for both pedestrians and motorists.
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She contacted the Roads and Stormwater Maintenance Department on 29 August and set up an appointment to meet with one of its officials on Monday, 7 September.
An inspector for Roads and Stormwater Maintenance said they were awaiting for the Water Department to backfill and cover the exposed piping before protecting the bank.
The official, whose name is known to the Highway Mail, said the Department has promised the work would be completed by Friday, 11 September.
A large pile of red sand was then dumped along a section of the piping and the gabions.
“I was told that the Water Department was also involved and that they were asked to come out and rectify all the issues pertaining to their department – this has not been done,” said Gokool.
“This is not a new phenomenon in eThekwini, we see this all the time. Incompetent contractors are given the job and, because they do not possess the necessary skills to do the job, it is not done properly. Where jobs are completed, it is of sub-minimum standard. The sad part is that ratepayers are the ones who have to absorb these wasteful expenditure costs, very rarely are the contractors held to account,” said Gokool.
She called for the area to be cordoned off and described it as ‘an accident waiting to happen’.
She said a report into what transpired needs to be compiled.
“Whomever is responsible, whether it is in house or contracted out, must be held accountable. I am no expert, but it is clear the job needs to be completely redone and the cost should be for the people responsible. I hope this will be completed before the new financial year,” said Gokool.
Despite numerous requests for comment, the eThekwini Municipality has not yet responded.
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