RESIDENTS of La Lucia have voiced their frustrations over the pipe replacement project in the area, which they say has left the roads in ‘terrible condition’. The project encompasses replacing old asbestos cement with PVC plastic pipes and incorporates several roads in the area, including William Campbell Drive, Old Bush Road and a number of others.

One resident, who spoke to the newspaper on condition of anonymity, said the entrance to his road on Gainsford Place was particularly bad.

“I understand the project will stop the constant burst experienced in the area, however the roads and verges have been left in a shocking state. The intersection of William Campbell Drive and Gainsford Place in particular is a case in point. I don’t understand why the roads are not being rehabilitated and the sections dug up are not being repaired and restored,” he said.

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The resident also queried when the project would be completed.

Ward councillor, Heinz de Boer, said he too had been inundated with calls from residents voicing frustrations over the ‘slow progress’ and ‘damage to the road infrastructure’ in La Luica.

“Unfortunately a delay in the delivery of pipes has delayed the project and due to the that, some of the dug up spaces have further eroded with some of the rains we’ve experienced in the area. I do feel this pipe replacement project will, once complete, benefit the residents of the area.

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“Armstrong Avenue in particular has had a number of burst pipes costing the City thousands of rands in repairs. From what I understand, the project is being done in stages. The workers lay the pipes then tie them into residential connections. It is only once everything is done and the pipes pressure tested, will the City tar over the dug up areas. So the restoration of verges and roads will be restored close to the end of the project.”

According to De Boer, the project is set for completion at the end of May.

“I understand the residents are frustrated but I would rather deal with that for now and prevent further water loss and damage to roads and residents’ properties in the long run. I urge residents to be patient as the project nears the end of completion,” he said.

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