The ongoing roadworks along Ermelo Road have business owners and the community fuming. The roadworks started several weeks ago and have caused frustration and inconvenience throughout the town.
Months ago, there was a sewer blockage on the border where First Avenue ends and Ermelo Road begins. After months of neglect, the CoE began repairs in early July.
The repairs initially only affected motorists driving out of town on First Avenue, but later, the road was closed, and Fourth Avenue was also blocked off.
The owner of Life Style Pet Hyper, Linda Hendrickse (58), was upset when the Springs Advertiser spoke to her about the issue last week. Hendrickse says the delay is costing her money.
“It negatively impacts me and all the businesses in the area. How much longer will it take?” she asked.
Hendrickse thinks this is unacceptable and that her business is suffering. Not only are businesses in this area affected by this, but also all the motorists who must use alternative routes to get home or to work.
Due to the giant crater and soil masses lying across the road, motorists are forced onto Fifth Avenue, causing severe traffic in and around the town.
Other motorists are forced to drive through Grootvaly, which leads to further traffic congestion on Welgedacht Road.
It is alleged that very little to almost no work was done on the road last week. The Advertiser visited this section of Ermelo Road last Tuesday and can confirm that no worker was on site.
Responding to a request for comment on this issue, the CoE said technicians are addressing a severe sewer blockage on Ermelo Road, which affects Strubenvale and Casseldale roads.
The municipal team initially responded to a sewer spill and then identified a large blockage along with several bottlenecks in the sewer network.
“The team is working tirelessly to remove the debris causing the sewer blockage because if not urgently resolved, it could lead to further pollution and health hazards,” said Zweli Dlamini, the spokesperson for the city.
According to the city, the work includes:
• Assessing the ground level to ensure that the sewer system will carry wastewater appropriately;
• Replacing and installing new water pipes; and
• Replacing damaged and outdated manholes to improve access for maintenance and reduce the risk of future problems.
The city says the completion time for these repairs is currently unknown, but the municipality is committed to minimising the inconvenience to the public.
They advise motorists to use alternative routes while the repairs are underway to avoid delays and ensure safety in the area.
The Advertiser again visited the area last Friday and can confirm that there was still no municipal worker on site.
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