According to Harm Schreurs of Century Property Developments, the appointed road engineers told him that due to negotiations which included individuals who will be affected by the upgrade, construction had been delayed to April next year.
He said Gautrans engineers, SMEC, had confirmed that the detail design for the R55 upgrade project had been completed. The environmental impact assessment had also been passed.
Andrew Dicks from Sun Valley Residents’ Association said, “During rainy season the effects of the R55 upgrade, which have not been done properly, will affect people living at Protea Road and Village Road and Cluny Farm, as water may flow onto their properties.”
Dicks added that Water Affairs had told him they had identified these problems and advised Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport to look into the matter before going forward.
“We want the road desperately, but please plan for the consequences. A lot of the equestrian venues are dependant on Protea Road for access, the access has been changed to Karee Road and that road can’t take the big horse boxes that are carried on that road,” said Dicks.
Ward 112 councillor Candice James said, “I received information that the delay is also due to a water licence [a licence required for water use during construction of the road] for the R55 that must be acquired.”
Ward 93 councillor Annette Deppe, who has been following up on the issue for years said, “I am concerned and surprised that there are more delays, it’s a needed alternate road for motorists from Pretoria, Johannesburg and Kyalami who travel the road on a daily basis. Since e-tolls have come about this road has taken tremendous pressure.”
Also read:
Concern over R55 upgrade continues
Public to voice opinion on R55 upgrade
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