Residents in the area said the Newcastle Municipality began a water pipe replacement initiative a few months ago, informing them that driveways and pavements would have to be dug up for the pipework but that restoration would soon be done.
However, the reality has been far different from what was promised.
One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Advertiser that work commenced around five months ago. When the workers left, they left their suburb in disarray.
“The workers just never returned to complete the work, and now we have open trenches and large heaps of sand, stones and other debris, which is not only an ‘eye-sore’ but pose a hazard to all who live here,” he said.
He continued: “This has been brought to the municipality’s attention but we are still waiting for something to be done to rectify the situation.”
The resident further expressed his frustration, stating the situation had become completely unacceptable, pointing out the municipality’s responsibility to maintain a safe environment for all.
“The large piles of sand and stones make it difficult for motorists to spot oncoming traffic, resulting in unnecessary collisions. I have also witnessed especially children getting hurt as they do not see the trenches on the pavements and end up falling into them. How is this acceptable?”
Residents who take pride in maintaining their gardens feel that the municipality had shown total disregard for the time and money they have put into their properties.
“We pride ourselves in the appearance of our homes and gardens, but now it (the area) just looks horrible, and we cannot do anything about this until the project is completed and the trenches are closed.”
Residents are now looking for answers and expect the municipality to address the community and give a valid explanation as to why things have deteriorated.
They are demanding to know when work will start to repair the damage done by the project.
Municipality responds:
In his response, Mthandeni Myende (acting director: communications and customer relations) claimed that the water pipe replacement project in Amajuba Park is 68% complete.
He expected the project to be completed by January 15, 2025, and denied that work had come to a standstill.
“The contractor is on site, and they are well ahead of their programme of work.
“To date we have not had any delays as we have not reached the stipulated time contractually; instead, the contractor may finish the project before the stipulated completion date.”
The Advertiser asked Myende to elaborate further by answering a series of questions:
Q: What safety measures are in place to protect motorists and pedestrians from the open trenches?
A: Open trenches are barricaded with danger tape and during the day there is accommodation of traffic in areas where the machines are working with safety signs and flagmen. In addition, there are safety officers who are tasked to ensure the safety of the construction site.
Q: Are there any temporary solutions being implemented to mitigate the risks associated with the open trenches?
A: The open trenches on the attached picture were closed; however, in the areas where they still have to install bends, the contractor has been requested to barricade these.
It has to be noted that at least 90% of trench excavation has been completed, and there will be minimal excavations going forward.
Q: How is the municipality communicating with residents about the delays and safety concerns related to the project?
A: We have progress meetings and technical meetings on site to address issues and check progress on site.
Q: Are there plans to provide regular updates to the community regarding the project’s progress and any safety measures?
A: The project has a Community Liaison Officer who gives reports to the Ward Councillor and Ward community and assists in solving issues affecting the community.
Q: Who is responsible for overseeing the project and ensuring that work is completed in a timely manner?
A: The consulting engineers and the municipality are overseeing the project, and as cited above, the contractor is still within the agreed project time frames.
Q: What steps are being taken to hold contractors accountable for delays and ensure the proper management of the project?
A: The contract is being implemented in terms of GCC 3rd Edition 2015. The contract is very clear on what needs to be done if there are delays on the project. And the project team will follow exactly that should the need arise.
Q: How is the municipality assessing the impact of the stalled project on the local community?
A: The project is not stalled; they are working on site.
Q: Are there any plans to address disruptions caused by the open trenches and restore normalcy to the suburb?
A: Disruptions are likely to happen mainly due to the nature of the work; however, upon completion, all driveways, road crossings, and trenches will be restored to normal. The contractor is always encouraged to minimise disruptions at all times. For the affected communities, we would like to apologise for any disruption caused.
Q: What measures will be taken to prevent similar issues in future projects?
A: The opening of trenches will be minimised and communication with the affected residents will be improved.
Q: Are there any changes being considered to improve project management and minimise disruptions?
A: Disruptions are to be expected in a construction site and in a built-up area, but we will try and minimise such in the future.
Q: Is additional funding or resources required to expedite the completion of the project?
A: The funds are sufficient to finish the project.
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