Is there light at the end of the tunnel for the completion of President Street?

An eight-month project turned into an almost two-year project with the refurbishment of President Street. But since then, residents have had to deal with numerous challenges, such as entering their driveways and living in dusty conditions.
According to Councillor Magda Viktor, the contract to start with President Street was supposed to be in October 2022. She recalls the day vividly when she sat with local workers at the site, waiting for the contractors – but on the day, they never arrived. When she phoned them, they informed her that they were in Durban. Approximately 10 days before the contractors usually break for Christmas, they arrived and started erecting a building site. At that stage, they informed Cllr Viktor that they would only start with the preparation of the street. It took a few phone calls from her to get the contractors back in January 2023. The project should have been completed, considering unforeseen challenges, about two to three months ago. Cllr Viktor also says there is a retention fee on the final payment until the work is completed.

Last week, Cllr Viktor confronted the contractors, as well as Director of Technical Services Nathi Mbongwa, and she was informed that the work would start on Monday, April 8. Unfortunately, heavy rains started on Sunday, which will have an impact on the completion of the street – which was promised to be completed within two weeks. A review of the work done indicates that the road will have to be prepped and compacted again before it is tarred, since vehicles made use of the road and new potholes opened up. Cllr Viktor also says the road did not comply with building standards at a previous inspection last year. She says she is not happy with the services rendered, since they have broken all their promises.
The Vryheid Herald also submitted an enquiry to AbaQulusi Local Municipality and they responded on behalf of the Office of the Mayor. “The road in question has been inspected. The affected parts will be fixed on Wednesday (April 10) and the paving will resume on Thursday. The affected channel will be fixed thereafter.”

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The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.