![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2017/01/Austin_36184.jpg)
Group 5 Properties has rubbished claims that its contractor, Harrogate Civil Construction, left a storm water drainage system incomplete on Austin Road in Glen Austin.
Midrand Reporter published an article, Week ending 25 November 2016, about Shaun Nauschutz and his wife Belynda who complained about an alleged incomplete storm water drainage system constructed by Harrogate.
The couple accused the company and its contractor for installing the wrong sized pipe which could not carry water to the main outlet and caused threats of flooding.
Group 5 has denied allegations that the water drainage system was incomplete, however, they mentioned that the specifications for the pipe size were correct according to Johannesburg Roads Agency.
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“The construction of the drainage system was properly done and complied fully with [the agency’s] approved specifications. It is incorrect that the system was left incomplete, as at the time of the said meeting with the concerned residents, the project was still in progress. The size of the water pipe installed was in line with [the agency’s] specifications,” said Group 5, group director Isabella Makuta.
She further said that after the agency realised the difference in sizes between the old piping system and the new pipes that were approved for installation, the agency requested Group 5 to submit an alternative plan to extend the original scope of the project to accommodate the extension of the pipes.
Spokesperson for the agency, Bertha Peters-Scheepers said the agency’s site inspectors and engineers are currently on-site and the matter is being rectified by the developer.
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“The matter was investigated and it was established that connecting the proposed 750mm diameter pipe into the existing 450mm pipe would not be possible for a range of reasons. Therefore, it was agreed that Group 5, through their appointed engineer, will look at the possibility of extending the proposed 750mm pipe and terminate it into an earth channel. The cost of extending the pipe will be to the account of Group 5,” said Peters-Scheepers.
She added that the pipe has been replaced, delivered and work is underway.
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