Pipeline construction at the intersection of Beyers Naudé Drive and Blueberry Street which began in June last year, has tenants at the Honeydew Shopping Centre worried about their incomes.
They were told that the construction would be complete by September 2013, yet by December 2013, the construction was far from done and still caused a nightmare for pedestrians and school children making their way to Boskop Primary School.
“Motorists and pedestrians try to avoid turning into Blueberry Street because of the construction mess,” stated Tony Tripods, manager of the Honeydew Spar. “We have therefore suffered a big loss in revenue – almost 20 percent in turnover in the last couple of months. Because of that, we have lost five of our staff members because we could simply not afford to pay them.”
Rand Water spokesperson, Justice Mohale, has stated that although construction is in its final stages, there are still projects that have to be completed before the construction area will be cleared.
“The scour chamber still needs to be relocated at Beyers Naudé Drive,” said Mohale. “This relocation can be completed in the next two weeks, given that there are no unforeseen delays. Currently, the contractor is also reinstating the kerbs near Boskop Primary School and clearing the construction area, and this will also be completed in the next two weeks.”
Mohale confirmed that Rand Water had followed all necessary consultation and approval processes that preceded the implementation of the project, to ensure that all private and business parties affected are aware and are able to make alternative arrangements to ensure the least impact on business activities and does not anticipate claims from anyone.
“Safety has never been compromised at this intersection and no incidents have ever taken place,” Mohale concluded.
