Surrounding areas in Northcliff will welcome a new school, Reddford House Northcliff in 2016, but at what cost?
Construction of the high calibre private school Reddford House Northcliff started in May– undertaken by Murray and Dickson Construction in conjunction with Centuries Property Development.
While the community welcomes the building of the school in the area, local resident Susan Churcher pointed out the negative impact of the construction.
Churcher is a resident at a complex next to the development site.
She said, “We have to watch which time we can do our washing as it inevitable gets covered in thick red dust, even my computer had to be cleaned. We are pleased to have the new school and have been very patient up until this point.”
According to her, construction starts at about 6am and sometimes doesn’t end until 9pm.
Churcher mentioned that some of the houses have cracked windows and walls, “in some cases the windows have actually broken.”
Another resident added, “We are only asking for consideration to us as neighbours, the loud construction is unbearable, especially going late into the night.”
Murray and Dickson Construction co-project manager for road and earthworks, Chris Porter commented, “We have been instructed that the work must be completed in December and so we have indeed been working very long hours to ensure this goal is reached.”
Porter added, “Although, we do try to keep the noise level down as much as we can. I expect the disruption to residents with regard to major works to be minimal within the next two weeks.”
Ward 89 Councillor Ingrid Reinten said, “In City projects community liaison officers are appointed to directly deal with concerns from the community. This should happen with private projects too.”
Councillor Reinten further stated, “I think what is most concerning to the residents is the lack of communication and consideration from the developers. The residents have been incredibly patient and understand that progress takes time, however, they only seek communication on the progress.”
Questions were sent to Centuries Property Development and answers are awaited.
Details: Ward 89 Councillor Ingrid Reinten, joburgward89@gmail.com or 083 440 834.
