Somerset Park residents claim roadworks cause damage to their homes
Residents feel that their homes are no longer safe to live in due to cracks that have appeared after the roadworks commenced.
CRACKED tiles, pool surfaces and walls and even built-in cupboards detaching from walls are just some of the issues Somerset Park residents have had to face during the last few months, and they claim that the cause is due to the vibration coming from the upgrading of the N2 from KwaMashu to uMdloti.
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More than 80 residents have experienced similar damage to their properties. One represented a complex comprised of about 18 units, many of which have been supposedly affected by the vibrations of heavy machinery coming from the roadworks for the last six months.
They have written to Raubex Construction, who informed them that the vibration levels are within
the ‘not uncomfortable’ range for human exposure. The homeowners, however, are not in agreement and want to be compensated for damage to their properties.
Reza Mahomed, spokesperson for the affected residents, said he has had to repair cracks at the sides of his pool, putting him out of pocket to the tune of about R20 000 in total.
“The repairman said it was very unusual for a pool to crack in this way. I had to have this repaired as water was being lost, which would have damaged my property further and cost me more in the long run. It is only fair that Raubex Construction compensates homeowners for the damages.
“It can’t be pure coincidence that numerous properties have the same damages at the same time,” he said.
“Not replacing these cracked tiles cost us a fortune in terms of filling the pool with municipal water. Water was seeping through the cracked pool tiles, causing the water levels to drop on a weekly basis. Not replenishing pool water could damage the pool pump and motor which is expensive to replace. Our water bill increased by approximately R2 500 a month,” he said.
Mahomed’s neighbour, Logan Naidu, said cracks have appeared in the concrete slab of his home. The boundary wall between his home and Mohamed’s has also cracked.
“We appreciate that a representative from the construction company has met with concerned residents, but it can’t just abruptly end here. It is only fair that we are compensated for repairs. Even though the construction on this part of the freeway will be done in a few months, we no longer feel safe in our homes,” said Naidu.
Andrew Gerber, who lives in a complex of about 18 units where 70 % are elderly, said the vibration and noise levels have been a major inconvenience to residents.
“The complex is in proximity to the freeway where construction is taking place. Raubex has responded to us, stating that the noise and vibration levels are within an acceptable limit, however, the penetrating of the ground with a jackhammer is causing major disturbance and damage to our properties which the contractor needs to repair,” he said.
Sandie Piek, a Sheraton resident, said she has at least six areas in her home where cracks have appeared – the one in her bedroom is from floor to ceiling.
“There are also cracks forming in the communal pool, and I am concerned about the effect this vibration would have on the retaining structure between us and our neighbouring complex. There could be latent cracks developing, too, in our communal pool and swimming area,” said Piek.
Tracey-Leigh Stewart works from her home in Canterbury Road and says even with noise-cancelling headphones, clients have asked her to reschedule appointments as the noise was disruptive.
“The vibration has caused my floor tiles to crack, built-in cupboards have separated from the wall slightly and nearly everything I have on a surface vibrates and slides off. I have a video of a plant where you can clearly see the leaves shaking with the vibration. I don’t know what repairs will cost, but it will definitely be in the region of a few thousand, which I feel we, as homeowners, should be compensated for,” said Stewart.
Raubex Construction was approached for comment but declined and said Sanral should be the one to
comment. Sanral, however, did not comment at the time of going to press.
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