Residents and business owners along Viljoen Street in Lydenburg are growing increasingly frustrated as ongoing repairs have, according to them, led to the closure of multiple access points, restricting entry to their homes and establishments.
These residents claim that the contractor assigned to upgrade the street, Obee & Family, has closed these access routes without providing adequate alternatives.
The reconstruction is part of Der-Brochen Mine’s social and labour plan contribution to the neighbouring communities. The project includes the reconstruction of the four-line undivided dual carriageway of Viljoen Street (R36) from and including the intersection with the R540 to the intersection with Voortrekker Street (R37).
Many residents claim they have been unable to access their properties for days, while local businesses indicate a decline in foot traffic and revenue due to the impediments.
“This is affecting our livelihood, and it feels like nobody is listening to our concerns,” one anonymous resident told the publication. Another, Jan Schoeman of Martins Funerals, said he must always have access to his vehicles on this street and that restricted access cannot be tolerated.
Complaints have surged over the week of September 23 to 27 as residents’ patience with the subcontracted workers began to run thin. They are also blaming Marius Opperman, the DA councillor for this ward. However, Opperman told the publication he has no jurisdiction over this project and cannot instruct the contractor running the operation.
Also read: Update on the progress of Lydenburg’s Viljoen Street
“I can’t tell the contractor what to do, where to close and where to open. I have an oversight position, but cannot give instructions on how the road and its rehabilitation should be handled,” he said.
The project’s client liaison officer, Romeo Morethe, said: “I am aware of these allegations. No one has ever been denied access into or out of their properties. I know, however, that access might be partially limited when work is done in front of houses or businesses, which includes excavating or mixing, but no matter the circumstance, access is always made after or during work, depending on the kind of work that is being carried out.”
Morethe also supplied the publication with photos of all the access points on this road and notices to residents informing them of any road closures that might take place.
The completion of the project is set for the end of November.
