Westville roads upgrade drags on

INCOMPLETE construction work on pavements and side walks of central Westville have been the cause of complaints from residents for the past two years.

eThekwini Municipality contracted a construction company to oversee the rehabilitation of the pavements much to the residents delight in 2012.

There have been many different construction works taking place simultaneously, most of these have been in and out quickly and efficiently, which contrasts so strongly with the paving contract in Westville centre which has caused nothing but grief for motorists and residents travelling on foot, particularly along Westville/Church Road, down Roger Sishi Roads.

According to a resident, Peter Velleman, the operations started in November 2012. A lot of comments were made at the time regarding the upgrade as residents have experienced delays and inconvenience travelling on those roads on a daily basis. At peak traffic times, lanes are closed, not to mention no assistance from Metro Police.

“It’s an eyesore to say the least, not to mention irritations on a daily basis, when one tries to move from part of Westville to the other,” said Velleman.

Another resident, Erik Warburg, said the construction work is being done in a way which he can only describe as maximum disruptive impact.

“At the end of working days it appears that the workers just leave site, no attempt to clean up or tidy up, rubble and material are left behind, road beacons are left generally blocking a complete lane as is customary while working but should be cleared when workmen are no longer there.

“This has been observed for extended periods as attendance on the job seems to be very sporadic. Long weekends and a day before and after are the order of the day, shuttering, some with exposed nails, loose pavers, rubble, dislodged culvert covers, steel pegs, an utter and complete disregard for the pedestrians that rely on pavements,” said Warburg.

He added that construction is always messy and accepted, but he is urging the construction face to revise this.

“Sections must be completed before opening new areas and moving on. There is just no section that has been completed to date.

“That which has been done looks great, but for goodness sake some discipline has to be administered to complete and tidy up before moving on and just making the disruption area larger,” added Warburg.

eThekwini Municipality had still not responded to questions emailed to them by the Highway Mail at the time of going to press.