Asbestos removal project faces yet another hurdle
Another hiccup has marred the start of the project which was scheduled for May
352 homeowners have been patiently waiting for a decades-long project to begin, namely the Colita and Forderville Pre-1994 Rectification Project.
This project entails the removal of asbestos roofing from 110 homes in Colita and 242 in Forderville. However, the project, which has been in the pipeline since 2014, has been fraught with delays…
Now, another hiccup has marred the start of the project which was scheduled for May.
According to information released by the Human Settlements Department in April, ‘rehabilitation work’ was meant to commence this month, but there has been no work on the ground as yet.
A follow-up media enquiry was sent to the department last week, but no response has been received. Ward 10 Councillor Edith Lite agreed to give feedback and met with the Estcourt News at the Forderville Ground on Tuesday (June 20).
As she explained, the Forderville Ground and area behind the Colita Hall will be transformed into residential camps that will house community members (15 at a time) while their roofs are being removed and replaced.
“These vandalised toilets will be renovated into toilets and showers. There will be a laundry area, as well as an area for pets. The area will be fenced off and armed guards will be employed to secure the area,” she explained.
Lite also revealed another glitch that has caused a delay.
“The Environmental Affairs Department did not approve the first spec design of the houses, so a second plan was submitted. This spec passed and work should start by July,” said Lite.
It is anticipated that two weeks will be needed to complete each cluster of homes, providing there are no weather challenges.
“I am feeling very positive about this project. The community owes this to Councillor Bandu and the late Councillor Dawood Vahed, who were instrumental in kick-starting this project. Finally, things are starting to fall into place,” concluded Lite.
NOW READ: Long-awaited hall project finally reaches completion
Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook
