Truck holding area pollutes residents’ lives
Have you had problems with increased traffic on Tara Road? Call Engen and let them know.
AN TRUCK holding area along Tara Road has become a source of contention for Wentworth residents, as increased traffic, noise and dust plagues their lives.
“The trucks start revving their engines in the early hours of the morning, sometimes from 2am and they don’t stop until 10 or 11pm. Drivers can be heard shouting and hooting and as they move in and out of the holding area, the dust coats our homes and the sidewalks and verges are destroyed. My child is writing exams and his sleep is broken numerous times a night,” said a resident, who asked not to be named.
The complaints from residents include the use of sidewalks as temporary parking areas for trucks and the lack of participation. “We were told a few years ago the area might be used during working hours as a mechanical workshop for trucks, but not for this. The entrance is opposite the Badulla sports grounds and alongside the Highbury sports grounds – they obviously didn’t take into account the danger this could pose to children walking to and from the sports grounds,” he said.
Engen public affairs manager, Thandeka Cele said the company is aware of the issues and is willing to engage with residents to reduce the impact. “The holding area along Tara Road was made available to alleviate traffic congestion during the recent shutdown. This traffic congestion has persisted in recent weeks due to an unexpected increase in demand for product. Engen is investigating the residents’ complaints. We value feedback from the local community and will make every effort to ensure trucks utilising our facilities do so in a manner that is respectful of the local community,” she said.
Cele urges residents to call Engen’s call centre toll free on 0800-330-099 to express their concerns.
