RESIDENTS who live along Southern Klipriviersberg Road, The Hill, are up in arms and are complaining about the non-communication between them and the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA).
Apparently, a chunk of their driveways and sidewalks will be cut because of the purported widening of the road, leaving them with just 1m space from their yards. They think this is in line with the construction down the road, where there was also widening of the road because of new developments in the area.
There are six houses that will be affected by the widening of the road. Currently, Southern Klipriviersberg Road is a two-way road and residents claim it will be changed to a four-lane road (two up and two down).
Sylvia Glade said their concern is that their driveways will be cut and they will be left with only 1m space and this was not communicated to them.
“There has been no consultation or feedback from JRA. The road is a busy road and is mainly used by learners from schools around the area and old people. We want to know whether there are any means that this envisaged construction can be halted and be reviewed for our sake and the learners in the area,” she said.
There was a meeting that was set to take place between the residents and JRA representative Kumbi Gusha. However, due to a prior commitment, Kumbi couldn’t honour that meeting.
He sent this message: “I have spoken to the engineer on the project and have been informed that the issue has been brought to the attention of the CLO and that is has been escalated to the project client.
“The entire road reserve belongs to the city and based on what is necessary to advance the city’s interests, road widenings can be done.
“Despite the fact the city can do road widenings without seeking permission, CLOs are appointed to mitigate any adverse effects that a project may have on residents.
“The impact of cars turning into driveways should not cause major challenges. In some areas some residents recess their gates into their properties so that they can pull completely off the carriageway.
“I have spoken to the regional operations manager, PR and Stakeholder Engagement Department: Hendrik van Tonder on the issue. Please feel free to contact him as he is the correct person for stakeholder engagement within the JRA. He is on leave this week and will be back next week.”
The COURIER contacted Zoleka Jika, JRA spokesperson for comment via email. No correspondence has been received thus far.
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