WORK on the Waterkant Road pipeline project is moving forward, though at a measured pace.

The last time Northglen News reported on the saga was in February, when frustrated residents raised concerns about the inconsistent pace of the project.

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Since then road work has been ongoing with the re-tarring of the cycling lane, but three years since the project started there still is no definite completion date.

The project, which began in 2022, was initiated after the eThekwini Municipality announced an upgrade to the ageing water infrastructure beneath the road. The upgrade involves excavating the road, laying a new 200mm pipeline, and resurfacing the road. The former has been complete but the latter seems to be dragging on.

Ward 36 councillor Heinz de Boer explained that the rainy weather and most recent floods are the main reason for the slow progress.

“This project has now entered its third year. The pipe replaced is the main feeder to Athlone and Umgeni Park, and it was still the old asbestos type, which needed to be upgraded to plastic. The work was done in sections,” said De Boer.

“The new pipeline has been installed. We now have two pipelines currently running, one of which is an old asbestos pipe being kept in place as a back-up while the new infrastructure is brought online. Valves are also being replaced, and unfortunately a burst occurred on the old steel pipe, which dates back decades and required welding,” he said.

“The persistent rain and the most recent storm have only worsened the situation, damaging some of the completed work and causing further delays. Prior to this I had numerous ongoing enquiries from residents about the completion timeline. These have dropped significantly as residents can see that things are moving along,” he added.

Despite the delays, De Boer remains optimistic. He believes the project is finally nearing completion.

“The beginning of Waterkant Road is currently where all the action is happening. Contractors will then make their way further down towards Holmark Place and closer to the Engen service station. The focus was to ensure the business hub was complete first to make it accessible to employees and customers,” he said.

“I am pleased with the municipal engineers as they are ensuring that everything is being done according to specification. They don’t want a quick fix. This road must be rehabilitated to last,” he said.

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