Word on the street

Big sigh of relief as Fleet Street opens after completion of roadworks

EAST London motorists can now breathe a sigh of relief as the long-awaited roadworks on Fleet Street has finally been completed, with the official opening of the road on Tuesday.

After tons of ongoing roadworks and inconvenience, road users will now be able to fully utilise the road between Quigney and the industrial areas of West Bank, Gately and Woodbrook, as well as the airport and the residential suburbs.

The roadworks had for months caused massive traffic jams and anger among road users, mainly those having to commute to work in the industrial west of the city.

The rehabilitation and reconstruction of Fleet Street between Currie Street and Pontoon Road commenced on July 26 last year and was expected to be completed on December 14.

The contract value of the construction was R128300699 which included a few works to be carried out, such as the total reconstruction itself, the relocation of municipal water, sewer and electrical services, as well as Telkom services.

The reconstruction of the Fleet Street sidewalk and accommodation of traffic is also nearing completion.

“We are pleased with the development as it enables a smooth entry point and exit to the city and it will allow for a free flow of traffic to those coming in and out of the airport and harbour,” Buffalo City Metro spokesman Samkelo Ngwenya said.

“This development talks to our vision of having a well-connected city that has the capacity to strengthen capital investment into the transport infrastructure network. This requires the development, integration and linkages of three Eastern Cape ports, including the upgrade and seamless alignment to the key provincial and national roads,” Ngwenya said.

The development also created jobs as 47 labourers from the Fleet Street community were employed by the contractor, as well as 10 local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) were used to deliver their services.

Fleet Street couldn’t have been opened at a better time as the city is expecting an influx of visitors over the festive season.

“To top off all the festivities that will be taking place this summer, tourists will also be greeted by this impressive development,” Ngwenya said.

Picture: SUPPLIED I DECLARE IT OPEN: Fleet Street was officially opened by mayor Xola Pakati, centre, on Tuesday which will bring great relief to motorists who have for months complained about the roadworks and the longer routes they had to take. Above, the pavements on...