Fleet Street upgrades not effected so fleetly
Motorists frustrated at more work after repairs seemed complete
Multimillion-rand upgrades in East London’s Fleet Street have raised the ire of motorists, who have to once again contend with roadworks there.
Frustrated drivers complain the roadworks lead to traffic congestion, especially for inbound cars.
The resurfacing of the stretch of road from the intersection of Oxford and Fleet streets, which ends near the police station, is part of the upgrading of the street, which started in 2013.
When Buffalo City Metro (BCM) mayor Xola Pakati officially opened Fleet Street in 2017 after being closed a long time, both business owners and motorists breathed a sigh of relief.
The firms situated at the upgrade site complained that their trade had been severely affected during the upgrade period.
BCM spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya said the current upgrade would be completed next month.
The entire Fleet Street upgrade cost the metro R153m.
“The contractor, Crossmoor Transport Plant, is busy with the final 40mm asphalt on the section of Fleet Street from Oxford Street to Pontoon Road. Normally work is stopped at 3.30pm on a daily basis so that traffic can flow freely, but on Tuesday the contractor was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances and the work was only completed at 6.30pm.”
Until the project is complete, motorists have to be patient on the road, Ngwenya said.
“There are no alternative routes except for Buffalo Pass for motorists so they should avoid Fleet Street as much as possible. We apologise to the motorists for any inconvenience and request their patience and co-operation like leaving early,” he said.
Last month motorists who use Fleet Street between the East London CBD and Quigney appealed to BCM to put road markings on the road, saying it was dangerous to drive without them.
Drivers complained that the unmarked road’s condition was a cause of concern and responsible for a number of accidents. Since the Dispatch article, the road has been marked.
However, motorists are unimpressed. A taxi driver who identified himself by his clan name of Jola said the roadworks in the area have been a sore point for many.
“We are back at it again, just when we thought the municipality was done for real this time. This is what we have to put up with every year.
“This is one of the busiest roads in East London.
“The municipality is just failing and it seems they do not know what they are doing.
“They also do not know which times to start with these repairs,” he said.
Residents took to social media to express their views on the inconvenience.
A user wrote: “I fail to understand how they are not able to finish that little piece of road in front of Fleet Street police station. Every now and again they rip up tar and resurface it again. Two years ago they had an official launch or opening of the new Fleet Street and it wasn’t even finished.
“The Biko Bridge was resurfaced within two days but whoever is doing Fleet Street is making a big mess.”