Budget constraints, flooding caused by rain and failure to obtain consent from a landowner have been among the major obstacles hampering progress with the project to rehabilitate the Pierre Road culvert in Ruimsig.
In November 2018, Joburg Roads Agency (JRA) declared this section of the road unsafe based on the assessments that were done. The need to rehabilitate the major culvert infrastructure across the stream was identified, as the current structure is unsafe for vehicles and pedestrians.
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Frequent and severe flooding that year led to the collapse of the road crossing, according to Ward 97 councillor Leah Knott, who detailed the latest information regarding the project.
In the beginning of 2019, Melisibongakonke Transport & Projects was appointed to assist with the investigations and design of the Pierre Road bridge. The scope of their work comprised conducting environmental and geotechnical studies, which were completed during the course of last year.
However, construction could not start because of budget constraints and the problems with convincing the adjacent landowner to sign the consent form needed in terms of the Water Use Licence Application Regulations (WULA), according to Leah.
“JRA addressed the main concerns and held two follow-up meetings with the landowner. An additional hydraulic impact study was carried out for the owner and resolved that a wide bridge structure with a downstream stilling basin will not negatively impact the property,” she explained.
She further explained that JRA engaged her on 23 January 2020 to intervene and meet with the landowner as consent was still being withheld unreasonably. It now relates to private property aspects that the owner wants Council to maintain, which are neither possible nor lawful.
“This delay has resulted in the application period as well as the 140-day extension granted by The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development lapsing, and the consultant being forced to withdraw the application to avoid its complete cancellation,” Leah explained.
She also cited the risk that the entire process would need to be restarted from scratch, “… but we will endeavour to get the consent as soon as possible to try and avoid this situation,” she said, adding that a meeting will be arranged for next week to obtain consent. Should that fail, legal advice will be sought to resolve the issue.
Another issue relates to budgetary constraints. “JRA has submitted their budget request to the administration but may not get the full allocation required citywide. Unfortunately, the above delay has shifted budget requirements into the next financial year. JRA will have better clarity towards the end of the financial year (June/ July 2020) once the Mayor submits the budget for Council approval,” Leah explained.
While the wait is inevitable, Leah said a public meeting will be held in March 2020 to inform all interested parties of the progress to date, timeline for construction, and more.
She added that JRA apologised for the lack of a detailed diversionary route when the bridge was closed, and will ensure that this is timeously provided to residents in future.
Furthermore, Leah explained that Lawrence Maseko, the Region C Operations Manager, stressed to the JRA Planning Department the need for involving the Region and councillor early on regarding disputes with residents so that this could be addressed and resolved with the minimal negative impact on projects.
