THE upgrade on the M13 / Essex Terrace which started in 2018 and was expected to be a 23-month project has experienced many delays and has become a nuisance for residents and motorists.
A Westville resident, Johan Jacobs said his issue with the construction is the dumping of soil and stones in their beautiful Renown Road park.
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Jacobs said the piles of clay and sand is blocking a natural stream flow when it rains.
“Children can no longer play in this park and wild creatures can not roam around freely,” said the concerned resident.
His plea is for the park to be returned to its former glory once construction is complete.
In a statement released by the municipality in October 2018, head of eThekwini Transport Authority, Thami Manyathi said traffic on this interchange has increased significantly due to new developments (residential, office and shopping). What’s more there are plans for further developments in the vicinity.
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He said the construction was to support a more fluid and efficient traffic flow through this area, the bridge on the M13 over Lincoln Terrace will be extended on both east and west- bound carriageways.
“The on and off-ramps will also be upgraded, extended and realigned to accommodate current and expected increase in traffic. Devon Terrace, Lincoln Terrace, Latina Place, and Essex Terrace will also be realigned and form part of this construction contract. Traffic accommodation plans will be in place to minimise the inconvenience to those using the roads in the area, and some detours are expected.”
Community meeting
Ward 30 councillor, Warren Burne said the contractor has experienced numerous delays.
“Many delays have resulted from the contractor discovering services in the ground which were either not known about, or were found to be in places different from where they were supposed to be. Also, in the early part of 2019, the project was delayed by the involvement of business forums,” said Burne.
Regarding the dumping on the park, Burne said he has been informed about the use of Renown Park and from his understanding, the use of the municipal property at Renown road was always intended to be for short term use and the material stockpiled on the site is to be incorporated into the construction works.
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He added that he is hoping to host a community meeting in the Truro Hall during the period of 23 November to 4 December 2020, to update the community about the expected state of the project by the time the contractor closes for the Christmas break.
“I am hoping that at that meeting, the contractor and the municipality will be able to give residents some accurate estimates of when the contract is expected to be completed,” said Burne.
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