IDP projects in east held up
The replacement of ageing infrastructure, changes to the Faerie Glen Nature Reserve and the widening of a busy road are but three projects that have been on the back-burner for years because of bad planning by the metro.
Stephané Bothma
Three major development projects, including the widening of Meiring Naudé Drive, have been on hold for yonks because the Tshwane metro has failed to properly execute its integrated development plan (IDP), says DA ward councillor Duncan Baker.
Baker said the other two projects were the replacement of water pipes in the east and the relocation and upgrading of the visitors’ centre at the Faerie Glen nature reserve.
“IDPs are used by municipalities as a basis for planning budgets,” Baker said, adding that the process of obtaining inputs for projects should ideally start six to nine months before the is drawn up.
“Unfortunately, because of poor planning, councillors are again expected to consult communities within a week, to determine what their needs are for sustainable development and service delivery.”
In his ward, ward 46, Baker said, the consultation process had in the past led to three recurring items being listed.
“As yet, nothing has been done since these items were never budgeted for,” he said.
Firstly, Baker said, was the issue of the doubling of the southbound lane in Meiring Naudé Drive between King’s Highway and Lynburn Drive.
“This has been a serious traffic issue for many years,” Baker said.
Secondly, the relocation and upgrading of the visitors’ centre for the Faerie Glen nature reserve to an area with access to Glenwood Road, which had also been on the table for a long time.
“The area where the centre is currently located is subject to flood risk and traffic safety on exit.”
Baker said the necessary environmental impact assessments had been done several years ago.
“Probably the most important matter was the replacement of water pipes, which have clearly reached the end of their service life. Councillors in the eastern areas report burst and broken pipes on a regular basis, with attendant loss of expensive purified water,” he said.
Baker called on residents to advise him if they had any suggestions concerning IDP projects for the coming financial year.
“Any suggestions applicable to adjacent wards will be referred to my colleagues in those wards,” he concluded.
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