Couple queries roads agency project
GLEN AUSTIN – Shaun and Belynda Naushutz say work that's being done on Austin Road has inconvenienced them.
A Glen Austin couple is at loggerheads with the Joburg Roads Agency and Group Five property company over a portion of Austin Road that is not tarred and which gets flooded on rainy days.
Shaun and Belynda Naushutz first approached Midrand Reporter in November last year complaining about an incomplete water drainage system that caused flooding on the dirt road in front of their property.
The couple accused the company and its contractor of installing the wrong-sized pipe which did not carry enough water to the main outlet and caused flooding. In January, Group Five refuted claims that the water drainage system was incomplete and insisted that, according to the agency’s specifications, the pipe size was correct. Following an investigation by the agency, it was discovered that the specifications were wrong. The pipe was replaced by Group Five, at their own cost.
Read JRA responds to Crowthrone resident’s claims
The company’s development director, Gregory Skeen, explained that the company had completed the project in line with all required specifications, and it had been handed over to the roads agency. Part of Group Five’s responsibility was the installation of the pipe and the tarring of a portion of Austin Road, along the length of their property development.
Recently, the couple accused the agency of not taking adequate steps to limit damage and inconvenience. “Please, can someone inform us as to when the roadworks on Austin Road are going to be completed and our road restored to a driveable surface,” implored Shaun.
Read Allegations disputed
Skeen said, “We did what was required of us by the agency. The pipes were installed and the portion of the road we were responsible for has been tarred. The portion of the road the couple is referring to is outside our scope of work and belongs to [the roads agency]. Everything else that is left is the property and responsibility of JRA.”
The agency’s spokesperson, Bertha Peters-Scheepers said, “The JRA apologises for the inconvenience to residents resulting from the road-widening construction. We wish to reassure residents that [the agency] will only approve and sign off on the road once all standards are duly complied with. We estimate the outstanding list of work to be completed over the next few weeks.”
Who is at fault? The roads agency or the contractor? Tweet your views @MidrandReporter
