WESTVILLE homeowner Jason Govender, who lives next to construction works along St James Avenue, was relieved that SANRAL’s engineer and management visited his property to assess damage linked to the road agency’s excavation.

However, he said that he remains concerned about the safety of his home and wants the commitments made during the site visit to be put in writing.

Last week, the Highway Mail reported about Govender’s dilemma after heavy machinery was used to excavate an area approximately 10 to 12m below the level of his boundary wall during the N3 upgrade project.

Parts of the wall and carport collapsed during the storm on Thursday, September 17, and Friday, September 18.

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“I was happy that the SANRAL engineer and management came out to assess my property after the boundary wall collapsed. They gave me some reassurance about the steps they would take, but I need those commitments in writing,” said Govender.

He said the incident had caused considerable stress for him and his family.

“My wife is asthmatic, and this whole situation has been stressful for us. I am not asking them to rebuild the wall immediately, but I want them to stabilise my property and provide a temporary solution that will keep us safe in the meantime,” he said.

Govender said he would welcome the reinstatement of his carport and a secure temporary fence while longer-term repairs are considered.

He also raised concerns about water accumulating near the property, describing the area as swamp-like and infested with mosquitoes. He said cables also needed to be removed by the relevant authorities.

“We need proper communication. I want them to do something to stabilise our property so that we do not have to fear what will happen every time it rains,” he said.

Light at the end of the tunnel

In response to questions about the incident, SANRAL confirmed that construction work was underway along St James Avenue in Westville and that its site team was aware of the damage to Govender’s property.

SANRAL said the affected boundary wall encroached into the road reserve, meaning it had been built outside the correct property boundary.

According to the agency, property owners affected by the N3 upgrades had been informed of the planned works around 2018. SANRAL said no acquisition of Govender’s property had taken place because the wall was already encroaching into the road reserve.

The agency explained that the contractor had attempted to carry out the work within the available space to avoid demolishing the existing wall. However, a section of the wall collapsed, potentially as a result of the weather conditions at the time.

“The contractor, as best as possible, contained construction works within the area available, working with the constraint of the encroaching wall. However, in the end, potentially due to the weather at the time, a section of the wall did collapse,” said SANRAL media relations manager Lwando Mahlasela.

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The agency reported that the roadworks design in that section did not require lateral support, adding that such support would not have been necessary had the boundary wall been correctly positioned.

SANRAL also stated the contractor had erected a temporary fence to safeguard the property and had notified its insurance provider about the incident.

Mahlasela explained that the contractor was expected to construct a mechanically stabilised earth (MSE) wall near the affected boundary wall.

“The new structure would provide the required stability for the existing wall once completed. The site engineer had also approved the implementation of a permanent drainage system to divert water away from the affected area.”

In the interim, Mahlasela said the contractor has erected a temporary fence.

He added that the contractor’s insurance would assess the matter, although it cautioned that insurance might not cover the damage because the boundary wall was incorrectly positioned.

“In as far as the owner’s wall was encroaching, the cost to repair is considered to be that of the owner, subject to feedback from the contractor’s insurance,” SANRAL said.

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