Fairland pipeline ‘taking longer than expected’
FAIRLAND – The councillor for the area explained that there is still 100 metres of pipeline to go.
For months, roads have been closed in Fairland and traffic diverted to avoid ongoing construction.
The road closures have come as a result of Esor Construction working on portion A of the F46 pipeline which includes earthworks, pipelaying and associated works for the 4km long steel pipeline from Whiteridge Waterval Reservoir to the Weltervreden Reservoir. This according to Esor’s initial letter to Fairland and Northcliff residents.
Roads affected by the project include 9th Avenue and Wilson Street in Fairland, however, other streets like Smith Street have movement restrictions in place which only allow residents thoroughfare.
In the Weltervreden Park area, JG Strydom Road is one of the most affected roads. Its northbound lane is closed from the Haak en Steek Street intersection to Jim Fouche Road.
According to Ward 89 councillor, Amelia Bester, Esor, the Rand Water contractor, still has about 100 metres of pipe left to put down in Wilson Street. She said the aim of the F46 pipeline project is to supply Zandspruit residents with water.
“Due to very wet and unstable conditions, this section is taking longer than expected,” Bester explained.
She said the contractor anticipates that they will finish by mid-November this year. Thereafter, they will conduct pressure tests and will later cover trenches dug up during the construction.
“The mountain section and wetland is basically finished,” she said. While she said Esor expects to finish this year, the official handover date is early March next year.
How do you feel about the construction of the F46 pipeline? Let us know on roxydv@caxton.co.za
ALSO READ: More lane closures due to the F46 pipeline in Weltevreden Park
