Fixed intersection breaking up

KIMBERLEY’S R1.7 million upgrade of the Phakamile Mabija/cecil Sussman intersection, which was paved only two months ago, is already breaking up and motorists have lashed out at “this massive waste of money”.

The intersection of Phakamile Mabija, Quinn and Cecil Sussman streets was closed for more than two weeks at the beginning of August to allow contractors to pave the intersection.

According to municipal spokesperson, Sello Matsie, the contract, which was awarded to S&R Enterprises, was for the upgrading of the road surface to a 35 MPA 80mm specification. The value of the contract was R1.7 million.

Motorists, however, yesterday pointed out that the road was “worse than before”.

“It seems like the pavement was knocked and all the paving around that area has lifted. There is also a pile of bricks lying on the sidewalk.”

Matsie said yesterday that the intersection was still under guarantee.

“The damage was caused by a truck that knocked the curb. This resulted in the paving on the left, south-bound lane to lift as well.”

He added that the contractor had committed to repairing all the defects on the road.

“It is planned that the repair work will commence tomorrow.”

He said the municipality would also be looking at the upgrading of the adjacent sidewalks as well to provide more rigidity to the paving structure.

“The situation is fully under control,” he stated.

The original surface of the road was severely damaged by the turning of heavy vehicles at the intersection. “This resulted in the original tar pushing up on the sides of the road, which presented a danger to motorists,” Matsie said.

Around 3 500 square metres of the intersection was paved.

According to Matsie, where other major intersections, including the one in Du Toitspan Road and Lennox Street, were paved, the municipality found the paving blocks to be more resistant to damage caused to asphalting by heavy-duty vehicles and more durable.