After two years of development, sediment assessments, a murder, and a controversial court case, the extension of Draper Street has finally been completed.
The R5.5-million project has been on the cards for several years. According to municipal officials, Draper Street has always been one of the municipality’s ‘dream projects.’
“I remember when I was much younger, around 30 years ago, we used to cycle here, and to get from the one side of Lennoxton to the other, we would have to cycle all the way round. I’d always dreamed one day Draper Street would be re-opened, and now it has,” explained a jubilant Mayor, Afzul Rehman during its unveiling.
Ward Councillor for the area, Matthew Shunmugam, said the benefits of the new road ranged from easing the traffic flow, to providing improved access routes.
“This was one of my own personal pet projects, and I am extremely glad we have completed it. We want residents to know we are a municipality that listens,” he said.
During the construction phase, there were concerns about undermining and sediment, but these fears were allayed.
“In our tests we found there was no movement in the ground below, but the area did have some sedimentary issues,” said Sandile Dube, Director of Technical Services.
To combat this, ground stabilisers were implemented, he said.
The municipality will be monitoring the road very closely for any possible degradation over the coming months.
The municipality also promised to introduce speed bumps to ensure the safety pupils of a nearby school.
