Slow progress frustrates Eastleigh residents as stormwater project drags on
Ward 19 Ald Bill Rundle has criticised delays and repeated utility damage at the Eastleigh stormwater project, saying businesses are suffering as work drags on.
The slow progress of a stormwater project in Eastleigh has raised concerns.
Ward 19 Ald Bill Rundle said the project started on August 12.
He said that about 15 years ago, the stormwater system along Diagonal Road was closed, causing ongoing problems for businesses in the area and for motorists travelling on the road.
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“Every time it rains, Diagonal Road becomes a dam,” said Rundle.
“After many years of fighting, the City of Ekurhuleni relented and decided to analyse the stormwater pipe under the road and reopened the stormwater system,” said Rundle.
He said that when the site was opened, the municipality realised that the stormwater infrastructure carrying water from Diagonal Road to the Eastleigh Spruit was undersized.
To prevent further flooding on Diagonal Road, the CoE installed larger stormwater pipes.
“It was made clear that this would be a small job, expected to take about a month to complete,” he said.
“There should not be any issues. There is access and support from the property owner. However, at a rough estimate, I would say not even 25% of the project has been completed,” said Rundle.
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“The water line has been breached four times, the sewer line has been breached twice, and the power supply cable has been cut twice.
“The site is not well-maintained, which has at times prevented tenants from accessing their businesses. The property owner and tenants are considering legal action for lost production time.
He also noted that workers at the site were paid late.
Despite Rundle’s concerns about the project’s progress, the CoE said the project is expected to take three months and should be completed by the end of October.
CoE spokesperson Zwelli Dlamini explained that the aim of the project is to alleviate stormwater flooding and water pooling along Diagonal Road.
“Furthermore, it is to collect stormwater from the road and discharge it to Eastleigh Spruit to reduce flooding and the risk of accidents.”
He confirmed that water, sewer, and power lines had been breached.
“Regrettably, there were interruptions because some wayleaves were not indicated on the documents,” said Dlamini.
Speaking on the matter of late payments, Dlamini said this may have occurred due to the city’s financial position.
“The city always tries to ensure that these matters are addressed speedily,” said Dlamini.
