Resident questions ‘slow’ uMhlanga construction

A LOCAL resident has questioned the ‘slow’ construction process of the uMhlanga Lifeguard Tower which started in May. The R4-million project was started to improve the lifeguard facilities as well as the rebuilding of the existing lifeguard tower on the uMhlanga main beach.

Al Gledhill said he wanted to know whether the development would be finished by Christmas this year.

“I got back from overseas around four months ago and when I went for my first walk the old tower was no longer there, we had builders’ boards up instead. Last week when I walked past there was one “workman” on site plus four young men who I took to be from the contractors. The situation, was exacerbated by the four seemingly more interested in ordering coffee than doing anything that could move things along,” he said.

While uMhlanga ward councillor Heinz de Boer said there had been a delay in the construction process, he stressed there was reason for it.

“The first was the national steel workers strike which meant the delivery of reinforcing steel and other parts being delayed. There was also a delay in the delivery of the shuttering boards, which are manufactured off site and out of the province. While some residents have voiced their dissaproval of the timeframe of the construction process, this is a much needed development.

“It’s for the greater good of the community and the upgrade is long overdue. There has been major progress made in the upgrade of the lifeguard offices, which has seen extra change rooms for staff as well as more bathrooms.

“I know the contractor would like to finish the project by the December holiday period but I cannot give a timeframe on when the upgrade will be fully completed,” de Boer said.