Motorists and some residents have raised concerns about the closure of South Road that is making them struggle during peak hours as they are forced to take alternative routes to their destinations.
Several pressing issues need to be addressed for a more inclusive, accessible, and effective use of the road when the flat developments around South Road are completed.
Residents are worried that the traffic volume on the road has increased tremendously, and it takes one a while to get across as everyone is now using this road and with new occupants in these flats, the volumes will increase even more.
Ward 71 Councillor René Benjamin said that she did a site inspection with the project manager on the above matter and was given an update on what is happening and why the road has been closed.
According to the Project Manager, the current road works in question is the laying of sewerage pipes to accommodate the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO) housing overflow into the existing system.
The project team unfortunately have come across City Power electrical cables in the path of where the piping needs to be placed and while the sections completed have been re-instated the rest has been halted.
Currently they are awaiting engineers to address the matter from City Power side and therefore decided to close the section of the road for safety as there is also an asbestos water pipe in the section that requires attention from Joburg Water.
City Power Spokesperson Isaac Mangena said that City Power Planning Department which deals with such jobs, is not aware of any request regarding this project, “The project manager has not contacted us as per requirement, so we do not know about any project in the area needing City Power assistance. JOSCHO Chief Operations Officer Themba Mathibe said that they are aware that City Power cables and poles were relocated in July 2022 when the project team met with the Ward Councillor”.
According to Mathibe, currently, Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) is processing the wayleave extension so that the contractor can divert water from the existing Joburg Water stormwater pipe affecting the new sewer line.
“The responsibility of testing the new sewer line rests with Joburg Water and once that is out of the way, the contractor will be able to close open trenches and reinstate pavement and outstanding road-crossings. The anticipated completion date is November 30 this year,” said Mathibe.
