City of Ekurhuleni addresses Beukes Road closure
"Service providers should be appointed shortly, subject to approval by the city's Bid Adjudication Committee,” said Agnes Masilo, municipal spokesperson.
The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) responded on March 29 to Express’s questions about the closure at the corner of Beukes and Stephanus roads.
ALSO READ: Beukes Road collapses following heavy rains
Express reported on March 31 that the closure resulted in frustration for motorists, as this is considered a main route to Pretoria Road.
Residents and motorists of Kempton Park who use Beukes Road daily have been crying out for answers as the road being blocked off affects many who use it as an alternative route from Pretoria Road when Vlei Road floods.
Express questioned CoE about the lack of feedback to residents and motorists, plans to repair the road and the timeline of repairs.
According to the City of Ekurhuleni’s Agnes Masilo, there was verbal communication with Ward Clr Amanda Davison on March 8.
“On March 10, a follow-up email was sent to the ward councillor and other interested parties to explain the situation and next steps.”
Masilo stated CoE was still waiting for service providers to be appointed before they could begin remedial work at the intersection of Beukes and Stephanus roads, adding ‘service providers should be appointed soon, subject to approval by the City’s Bid Adjudication Committee’.
Masilo confirmed the city was in the process of naming service providers to begin the rehabilitation of Beukes and Stephanus roads.
“While the intersection is closed, the city’s maintenance division of the roads and stormwater department will assist in keeping it safe,” Masilo said.
Davison previously told Express the stormwater realignment project introduced in January was designed to address design flaws that caused the erosion.
She said thorough investigations had to be done, as it was the second time the pipeline had to be repaired and designing the repair had to be done in line with a standard policy.
“This was to ensure the same incidents do not occur again. Thereafter, the bill of quantities will be developed and the most difficult will be obtaining the budget.
“Adding to the delay is the lengthy process to ensure the appointment of capable contractors,” Davison previously told Express.
Davison then commented that updates on the appointment of contractors and budget were communicated to residents through social media and in person.
She said repairs will be done in two phases.
“Firstly, on the Stephanus and Beukes corner and thereafter, in the long term, the full stormwater pipeline will be inspected using CCTV, including periodic inspections going forward.”
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