The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has responded to the matter involving displeased Crowthorne resident Yves Lagauche, regarding Tintswalo Property Group’s road construction in the area, and the effect that this has had on Arthur and Main roads.
Spokesperson for the agency, Bertha Peter-Scheepers said, “We have obtained all the facts from our contractors and our engineering team from WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff.” She added that the construction on Arthur and Main roads was initiated in July last year and a wayleave was issued by the agency to WSP for construction to start.
She said the allegations by the resident that safety measures were not adhered to were false and assured that all safety measures have fallen within accordance of the national health and safety requirements during the construction process.
Regarding the initial accusation by Lagauche that large pieces of concrete were not removed from his gate have been addressed. WSP are able to provide photographic evidence that there have been no concrete pieces left unattended or discarded, therefore, entry and exit of vehicles at the resident’s premises are no longer affected.
Lagauche also confirmed these claims and revealed that the concrete pieces have been removed from his gate.
The agency has promised to install traffic lights at the three-way crossing for an easy and safe flow of traffic, but the timeline is unknown and will be clarified at a later stage.
Apparently, multiple attempts to resolve the conflict with Lagauche via telephonic discussions, face-to-face meetings and email correspondence were made by the agency. However, Laguache has dismissed this and said no attempts were made by the agency and he had to take the initiative to try and communicate with them.
Scheepers said the agency had endeavoured to resolve Laguache’s complaints. “… We were never able to come to an agreement with him. Despite our best efforts to offer reasonable solutions to Lagauche, he would respond with altogether new demands,” said Scheepers.
WSP confirmed that discussions were held between WSP, Tintswalo Property Group and Lagauche to come to a mutual agreement. However, they alleged that Lagauche was immovable in his attitude towards the matter and he did not seem willing to negotiate.
