M7 construction work given green light

GOOD news for commuters, motorists and those living around the M7 Solomon Mahlangu and Titren Road intersection as the contract extension has been approved, and the contractors should be on site soon to resume construction work.

According to Ward 64 councillor, Gavin Hegter, the work stoppage was due to the eThekwini Municipality needing to find the budget to extend the project as the contract value was exceeded. This was due to several work stoppages.

ALSO READ: Help Rescuetech stay on the mission

“The City didn’t have money in the previous budget and had to wait for a new budget to approve extra funding. I have been informed that it has finally been approved and we are awaiting one more signature before the letter of appointment is issued to the contractor, who is ready to start on site immediately,” said Hegter.

However, the work stoppage has also had a negative effect on businesses in the area.

Lionel Gaze, owner of the Rossburgh Service Station, said the construction work stoppage has affected business since the beginning of lockdown and he’ll only believe that it’s on the move again when he sees it.

“No one comes to the area anymore as they use alternate routes to avoid the traffic congestion. My business suffered quite a lot,” said Gaze.

There was added traffic congestion after the Rossburgh Testing Grounds closed off its parking area as motorists parked at the service station and the nearby mall.

The congestion has also opened the area up to crime as many vehicles have allegedly been stolen and numerous theft out of motor vehicle reports have been filed.

“The area was declared a no-trade zone but, in reality, there are lots of people trading from the streets. Law enforcement tried to intervene, but the traders disappeared and returned once the law enforcement left the area,” said Gaze.

Cllr Hegter hoped that once the construction work is complete, things would revert to normal again. He advised the waiting period will take a matter of months before the contract is completed.

Bellair SAPS confirmed reports of theft of and out of motor vehicles at the site.

Do you want to receive alerts regarding this and other Highway community news via Telegram? Send us a Telegram message (not an SMS) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409. You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Telegram number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts. Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.