On 6 March, the Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Jacob Mamabolo, announced that they would begin a three-month-long rehabilitation project on Allandale Road on 16 March.
The MEC undertook the road repair following numerous complaints from residents about the state of the road.MEC for Gauteng Roads and Transport Jacob Mamabola explained that the reason for repairing Allandale Road from Waterfall Road to Greig Street is because of an underlying water problem which causes the recurrence of potholes.
ALSO READ: MEC Jacob Mamabolo says Allandale Road road-works will continue
MEC explains the details of the project
MEC for Gauteng Roads and Transport Jacob Mamabola explained that the reason for repairing Allandale Road from Waterfall Road to Greig Street is because of an underlying water problem which causes the recurrence of potholes.
The MEC held a press briefing on 14 March at the Gautrain offices in Midrand, addressing concerns raised by residents and stakeholders concerning the road upgrade. The initial statement read, “During this period, works including blasting will be carried out, which necessitates the closure of the road. Motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes through Waterfall to R55.”
However, residents raised their concerns about traffic delays.
Mamabolo replied, “Further delays on this will have a severe impact on the road users. In appreciation of the negative impact of road maintenance on traffic flow, especially road closure, the following measures will, therefore, be set…A temporary bypass will be constructed to allow for the road maintenance to be executed, to accommodate traffic flow and avert to the closure of the road for the period of maintenance of the works.
“Should conventional rock blasting be required, the road will be closed for short periods, outside peak hours. Considering the need for precautionary measures and risk mitigation for unforeseen circumstances, road closure for a considerable period of time still remains an option.”
Mamabolo added that Century Property Development will work with the province and the appointed service provider, (DNMZ Consulting Engineers) by making land available to support the construction of the bypass and a site camp at no cost to taxpayers.
Furthermore, he will be committed in fast-tracking the resolution of all matters which have caused delays to the upgrade of the dual carriageway over the years and will give feedback on progress made by 30 April.
Ward 132 councillor discusses MEC’s feedback
Midrand’s Ward 132 councillor, Annette Deppe initially raised her concerns about the project as reported in the Midrand Reporter article, Rehab project in the works [Week ending 13 March].
However, after Mamabolo’s press briefing she said, “I think I am happy with the solutions, I am happy that they did not close the road because of the lack of planning. But I am also happy that the MEC listened to our concerns and he has taken those into account and the alternates were discussed at great length, and the alternates will be put into place starting from 16 March.”
Deppe added that residents must understand that when blasting has to be done they will have to close the road and that will be communicated, hopefully, before the time by Mamabolo’s department.
“As a councillor, I still would like to see the scope of the project and the costs involved as well as when the tender for the dual carriageway will come out.”
Century Properties offers free assistance on the upgrade
Jessica Hofmeyr, marketing director for Century Properties, said that they agreed to do all press releases through Mamabolo’s office for further updates on the road.
She added, “We are happy with the solution, hence we signed the agreement. The closure would have caused major delays, congestion and frustration in the whole of Midrand where we have a substantial investment. Therefore, in the interest of our clients and the rest of Midrand residents we got involved.”
There is also a major project under way that the MEC is yet to announce regarding making the Allandale Road a dual carriageway.
Hofmeyr said the tender was approved by the Bid Adjudication Committee two weeks ago and a contractor should be on-site around June or July this year. “It is an 18-month contract to be completed end of 2021.
“Allandale will remain open at all times. We will build one new carriageway and then divert traffic onto the existing Allandale Road, then after that divert traffic onto the new carriageway and then build the second carriageway. The overall carriageway cost of the upgrade will be R200 million.”
Jubilate happy to work with province and developers
Principal of the Jubilate Primary School Nadine Mack said, “Road congestion causes children to arrive late, frustrated and anxious that they are missing lessons…There will be a total disruption in school afternoon activities as participating in external co-curricular events will almost be impossible as there will be late arrivals to school as well as going to other schools.
“Parents won’t manage to fetch their children on time from afternoon activities as well as aftercare putting stress on parents as well as staff. Our own staff will find it difficult to get to school on time and we cannot leave children unsupervised or without an educator. This will cause a disruption of the academic day.”
As a local resident, she said that the road is the only road out of the suburb and going home will take longer as the R55 will come to a standstill in both directions.
She added that the community’s voices were taken into consideration in the meeting on 14 March. “We all know the upgrade has to happen and I am pleased to hear that the developers and province have compromised. There is a positive feeling going forward.”
Vorna Valley RA appreciates input
Chairperson for the Vorna Valley Residents Association Marianne Nel said, “Vorna Valley residents were very unhappy with the Allandale Road closure announcement. Traffic in this area has increased so much so that a 10-minute trip in peak traffic could take two hours if Allandale Road was closed.
“Many of the residents were up in arms because a lot of them have kids that they take to school on that road and don’t know what to do with the traffic.”
She said following the meetings held on 13 and 14 March and the publishing of the outcomes which included the development of the bypass road during the construction and turning Allandale Road into dual carriage way, the residents were happy with these announcements.
“From all the residents in and around Vorna Valley, we would like to thank Century Developments and MEC Mamabolo for listening to the residents and taking their concerns into consideration, and finding the right solution.”
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