Planned upgrade for Brixton water pipes
BRIXTON – Meeting for Ward 69 residents regarding proposed project.
No sooner have Corridors of Freedom bicycle lanes been completed in Brixton then they have to be dug up for water pipe upgrades. This was one of many concerns of residents of Ward 69 at the public meeting held at the Brixton Recreation Centre on 2 July.
On one hand, it is a positive step that Johannesburg’s aging water pipes are being upgraded –also, the contractor will employ local labour, such as residents of Ward 69 for the project. On the other hand, it will mean further disruption to areas that have just had bicycle lanes put in. According to Ward councillor 69 Katja Naumann, the issue was due to the miscommunication between the Johannesburg Development Agency and Johannesburg Water.
Contractor Steven Jiyane of Umakho Construction has been appointed by Johannesburg Water for the upgrades. He confirmed the streets to be affected include Caroline, Collins, High and Mercury streets; Isleworth, Fulham, Henley and Plantation roads.
The project will run for five months and has been allocated a budget of R5.3 million. Jiyane assured the community that certain areas of the work will be sub-contracted to grade 1 and 2 SMEs. Naumann assured those present that anyone who lives in the ward is entitled to apply to work on the projects.
When asked about the disruption and water cut-offs of the project, Jiyane said the community would be given one month’s notice on water disruption. As a community liaison officer is yet to be appointed, it is not confirmed when the project will begin.
ANC PR councillor Cathy Seefort said, “The meeting clearly indicated that there’s a lack of communication to the community. Residents expressed frustration as they are not awarded the platform to discuss projects before they are implemented. Community liaison officers are appointed and they too failed the community as no liaison took place from their side.”
Seefort further requested that officials from Region B facilitate a meeting with representatives from all contractors who were awarded contracts in Ward 69. The purpose would be to establish whether they have complied with the tender specifications, particularly with the SMMEs and local labour. This will assist the community with their oversight. This meeting should receive priority, according to Seefort..
Details: Ward 96 councillor Katja Naumann, 082 882 8486; ANC PR councillor Catthy Seefort, 082 694 1889.
