Update on Marsh Street
Some business owners affected by the roadworks taking place in and near Marsh Street have had two meetings with representatives from Mossel Bay Municipality as well as the contractor.
The first was held on 19 March and the second on 9 April.
The business owners involved in the different meetings mentioned issues relating to the notice they were given prior to roadworks, the time given to warn their customers of any inconvenience, the time to prepare for the effect of the roadworks and whether the intended aims of the roadworks, for example speed calming, would be realised.
Business owners asked the municipality to help them notify their customers that they are still open for business when sections of Marsh Street are closed.
In the municipality's most recent update on the Marsh Street upgrade, it provided, among other information, dates for various stages of the work.
The municipality noted: "On 15 April 2024, work commenced at the Marsh and Kloof street intersection. Only the Kloof Street side will be closed, up to approximately 2.5m into the intersection, in line with the parking bays. Marsh Street will therefore remain open to traffic in both directions. Stormwater infrastructure, kerbs and channels will be installed along Kloof Street and on the four corners [of the intersection].”
This section of Marsh Street will be closed for three weeks, weather permitting, from 5 May to 28 May.
The municipality noted that all efforts will be made to conclude the roadworks
and paving as soon as possible in order to open the road. Only once the intersection is open, will sidewalks be completed. The same approach will be taken in terms of the construction work at the Marsh and Field streets intersection.
"During construction at the Marsh and Field streets intersection, there will be a three-week break from 14 June to 8 July. This will be done to accommodate the winter school holiday period. Marsh Street will be open during this period and only closed for construction work after the holiday."
The intersection of Marsh and Beach streets was recently completed.
"The purpose of the work being done is to create an inviting tourist-oriented space. In addition, it will also serve as a traffic calming measure, as well as provide safe crossings for pedestrians and people with disabilities along Marsh Street.
"The scope of work also includes paving of the intersections and the repair and paving of adjacent sidewalks. It includes the installation of additional stormwater infrastructure and general items related to road signs and pedestrian safety."
The municipality stated the total cost of the project, including professional fees and construction, was R3 462 336.40, excluding 15% VAT.
"In 2013 the Mossel Bay Central Business District (CBD) and Port Precinct Plan was compiled.
The document established the tourist potential of the CBD and this was included in the Mossel Bay Spatial Development Framework (SDF) 2017.
"The SDF 2017 concluded that the old Mossel Bay CBD has huge potential to be transformed from a deteriorating business area into a tourist node," the municipality noted, to clarify where the project originated.
All efforts will be made to conclude the roadworks and paving in order to open the road.