Sites to behold as vital upgrades hit the road
WHEN the current administration took office after the 2016 local government elections, mayor Xola Pakati’s team boldly declared that it would turn the metro into a construction site.
And almost two years later, that is exactly what it has done as construction projects have been popping up around the metro.
The metro declared war on potholes – something that was widely welcomed by motorists – as their cars were constantly being damaged by the pothole-riddled roads.
The city also embarked on massive roads upgrade projects like the revitalisation of the Mdantsane Qumza Highway and the implementation of the Beacon Bay Quenera Drive link road project phase two.
While delivering the state of the metro address at the East London ICC last week, Pakati did not only paint a rosy picture, but also admitted they had some challenges in implementing some of the major projects.
Pakati said the Beacon Bay Quenera Drive link road project phase two was on track.
Turning his attention to the roads upgrade projects in Mdantsane, Pakati, said the metro had to end its contract with Nyoni Project, one of the construction companies appointed in August to tar roads in Mdantsane’s NU16.
The contract was terminated after the company was way behind schedule in tarring the streets.
As a result, residents constantly complained that they could not access their homes when it rained. “The project experienced challenges after we observed poor workmanship from the appointed contractor and we have recently appointed a new competent contractor. The overall value of the project is R373-million,” he said.
Pakati said the city was still on track with the R128-million upgrading of Fleet Street.
While businesses in the city centre have complained about the project taking long to be completed, Pakati said it is expected to be completed at the end of August.
“Over the past year we have done our best to ensure that roads are maintained to a suitable standard through in-house construction teams in all the regions and we will continue road rehabilitation and upgrade programmes in the next financial year.
“We will also be re-gravelling our rural roads through hiring of plant and maintaining stormwater infrastructure,” he said, adding that residents must benefit in projects in their areas.
The metro has set aside R286.9-million in the next financial year for the rehabilitation of bridges, roads and stormwater.
“In addition to this, the SA National Roads Agency will spend R186-million for the resurfacing of roads that are belonging to the national government and the provincial government in our metro,” he said.