Upgrading of sewage line in Standerton progresses

The upgrading of the sewage line in Coligny Street, Standerton is going at full swing.

Work began early in August when the Lekwa Municipality sent a TLB and excavator to dig up the dilapidated line.

Municipal workers first removed the tree branches from the side of the street.

Their communications department notified residents at the end of July about the effect on their driveways and pavements.

Some locals were however, put out after the team began working and they could not pull their vehicles out of their driveways.

One resident said the past week that the team was courteous, but they could have knocked first and alerted them about the activities outside.

WiFi-connections furthermore, were also disrupted in some cases when more than one cable connection were damaged.

The Standerton Advertiser drove past the team on Wednesday, August 31 to see firsthand what progress has been made.

One general worker surveyed the area and said the potholes need urgent attention.

A glimpse at workers cleaning up and making sure stones on the sidewalk were put in the same position, were seen.

More than one article have been published about the sewage overflow in Coligny Street.

At some places, it flows into residents’ yards, resulting in the sewage spills at the intersection with Schwickard Street.

The communications manager of the municipality, Thobeka Mtshiselwa, previously said the whole line has collapsed.

Wilma Venter, Freedom Front Plus-councillor for Ward 10, said on Thursday, September 1 that 25% of the project has been completed.

Steer committee meetings are regularly held to update councillors on the progress made.

“I am impressed with the quality of the contractor’s work and find their housekeeping to be neat and clean,” Venter added.

A total of 17 general workers from Lekwa were appointed, as well as a local contractor.

“It is a 12-month-project, but the contractor intends to finish work by the end of November,” Venter concluded.

Upon request, Thando Nkosi, Lekwa’s communications officer, sent a progress report the past week.

Another service delivery issue is the road condition.

More than one comment has been made about the potholes in Coligny Street as well.

The area downwards especially, begs for immediate intervention since motorists try to circumvent the Schwickard Street intersection.

Coligny Street furthermore, has more than one school.

Residents have to make do with several vehicles driving in the street at peak hours, when learners are dropped off and fetched.

More damage to the road surface is wrought.

The Standerton Advertiser accompanied the Human Rights Commission in February this year and the road was travelled at a snail’s pace.

Commissioner Jonas Sibanyoni, who probably has seen it all, just commented that one knows someone is sober when swerving to avoid potholes.