THE GO!Durban Rapid Bus Transport Network building has stopped.
Millions of Rands have been ploughed into this never-ending, messy story which has left New Germany and Pinetown roads and pavements in complete disarray.
There are huge holes, rubble piled up and cones blocking off sections caused by upgrades meant to improve the lives of residents. eThekwini Municipality launched the brand, Go!Durban, an integrated rapid public transport network (IRPTN), that aims to provide a flexible, safe, cost effective and seamless transport experience for the people of Durban, way back in 2013.
Ward 21 councillor, Mfanafuthi Mfanah Qwabe
Rubble which have been left in Chelsea Avenue for weeks.
The unfinished work in the corner of Beviss Road and Payne Street.
Pipes left in Payne Street, Pinetown.
The hype is fading fast as the system now seems to be a no-go one with unending delays and roads being dug up and re-dug up.
Another project which residents have been looking forward to is the pipeline project which has also came to a halt. The pipeline project brings water to Durban from the Midmar and Spring Grove Dams to ensure eThekwini has some of the best bulk water infrastructure in the region.
Ward 18 councillor, Melanie Brauteseth – I received confirmation on Monday from Chapps Construction that Bevis and Payne Road will be cleared. The pressure tests have been completed. The contractor who is responsible for the work on Railway Road and surrounding areas should start again next week. The delays have been caused by outside parties and there are negotiations underway. This has disturbed the flow of traffic, but I have been assured the holes in the residential areas will be covered soon. I am not sure about the CBD area.
Pinetown CPF chairman, Tony da Canha – The Go!Durban project is in a total mess. Work on the project has come to a complete standstill for more than three months without any explanation. New Germany as well as Pinetown is an eyesore. No straight answers are given at the meetings I attend and I cannot give feedback to the public. In my opinion this whole project is becoming a white elephant. Areas are completed and after a few weeks everything dug up again. This happens over and over again. Have never seen such a waste of money. Promises are made the bus service will be up and running soon but to no avail. Who is in charge of this project? The public need feedback.
Ward 21 councillor, Mfanafuthi Mfanah Qwabe – Basically the Go!Durban project has been stopped and the taxi industry of Durban West has not been involved in the decision-making process. Some of the convenient taxi stops for people have been removed and the work load of taxis has declined as a result.The taxi industry has not been involved in the planning and business side. Taxi routes will be replaced by busses which means profit and job losses. As all stakeholders have not been consulted, there is no harmony in this project.
Do you want to receive alerts regarding this and other Highway community news via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Highway Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
