LA LUCIA residents are at their wits end with what they have dubbed ‘a construction project from hell’, which is currently running along Shelbourne Avenue. The project which has raised the ire of the residents involves the installation of new fibre optic cables in the area. Home owner, Joe Santos said the construction company, had not only destroyed residents driveways and water pipes but also electricity cables and security alarm cabling along the road in recent weeks.Loud drilling had also disturbed the residents’ peace.

What’s more said Santos was the residents were not informed about the massive project undertaken by Huawei Technologies, on behalf of MTN.

“We received no prior warning or communication. When we began noticing some digging in the area we assumed it was a routine, quick project. But then when the digging progressed further along the road we realised that there was something more to it. We began making enquries and lodged our concerns with the local councillor,” he said.

Then on Tuesday last week, the residents were met with a ‘notice to commence with construction’ letter in their post boxes. “This letter can only be described as bizarre and comical. Not only is the letter unsigned and undated, but it announces the start of the project which will “commence on 20 July” – that’s nearly two months ago. I feel the letter also shows the complete arrogance from the companies involved. It is simply a rushed letter which they are using to prove that they are complying to the municipality’s requirements,” said the irate resident.
Lindsey Meyer, who owns a guest lodge on the residential road echoed Santos’ sentiments. “We should have been given due notice so that we could prepare for the project,” he said.
Meyer’s lodge was affected when the construction workers severed his property’s alarm system, which took several days to repair. He added that he was also frustrated by the fact that the project had left his lodge looking ‘untidy for guests’. “Not only were they uprooting the front law and creating dust, but they were also leaving litter at the end of each day, which we had to clean up,” he said.

Ward councillor Heinz de Boer confirmed that both companies had received permission for the construction process.

“I have been inundated with complains from residents in recent weeks, and it is definitely unfair to leave the residents in the dark. But the verge does belong to the city and they have received the permission to conduct the construction. However, it is particularly disappointing and frustrating, as I made it very clear to the parties involved that they had to inform the public prior to the start of the project and to keep the residents updated,”  said De Boer.

In an emailed response Paul Buttery, senior regional manager of network operations at MTN South Africa apologized to residents.