5 days ago
Construction delays in Schaapkraal leave residents frustrated and vulnerable to flooding
Residents in Schaapkraal express their frustration over delays by contractors.
Image: Supplied
Residents of Schaapkraal who for years appealed for decent roads now have a new worry, as contractors hired by the City have delayed construction, causing further damage to their homes and vehicles.
In several letters and correspondence shared with the Cape Argus, irate residents said excavations have been left wide open.
They also said the four-month project is now six months behind schedule with no explanation or communication from the City regarding the delay.
'Residents often discover excavations outside their driveways only when attempting to leave, posing risks in emergencies,' said residents in a joint communication about their grievances.
'Despite meetings and the contractor's inclusion in a WhatsApp group, communication remains poor, with residents initiating most discussions.
'Construction has occurred daily, including weekends and late nights, without prior notification.
"Recent rains have brought constant night work from pumps and generators, also unannounced.
"Unforeseen water shutdowns left residents without alternatives, forcing water purchases."
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The residents said they had to inquire about refuse collection during road closures, leading to instances where waste trucks couldn't access the road.
'The contractor had to assist in moving bins. The contractor admitted a poor initial pipeline installation, and despite multiple attempts, faces ongoing challenges without informing residents of the issues or mitigation plans,' they added.
They said another risk was that children had to walk through active construction zones with heavy machinery due to inaccessible scholar transport.
Ward councillor, Elton Jansen, said he was aware of the residents' grievances and that he had raised their concerns with officials.
'I note with the same concerns and urgency with the situation in 8th, 9th, and 10th Avenue as well as the flooding in various parts of Schaapkraal i.e. Schaap Road, Vlei Road,' he said in a letter shared with the Cape Argus.
'I understand the frustration and even though some of the insults are aimed at me as the councillor of the area I can assure you I am and have on an ongoing basis raised this with senior officials to deal with it and communicate with us on the ground what their plan of action is.
'I have inspected the pumping, and it is a waste of time.
'I drove the gravel roads, and it's unbearable to drive.
'I visited some residents who were affected by power outages as a result of the flooding and thanked them for their patience.
'I will be back in the area again to continue with my flooding inspections as various people, including informal settlements, have been severely affected.'
Residents in Schaapkraal have been waiting for new roads and repairs.
Image: supplied
Last year the City's mayco member for Urban Mobility, Rob Quintas, said priority would be given to major roads such as Boundary Road, Vlei Road, Kraal Road, Boom Road, Middle Avenue, and Olieboom Road.
In response, the City on Thursday said two departments will meet on Friday morning and provide feedback in the afternoon. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.
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