Network allegedly behind work stoppage
tions from City Watch.
Brian Murugan Pillay said residents had been left with potholes, open pipes and stones. It was a “disaster waiting to happen”.
“The whole project in Wyebank started in 2014. While we accept there have been delays, we cannot accept our road being left in its current state, especially as it is our only access route.
“At night it is difficult for motorists to see the potholes and could easily drive into construction due to poor visibility.
“Our tyres have been damaged due to the bad conditions on the road,” he said.
Another resident, Morgan Pillay, said there were regular meetings with the contractor, Esor, and city officials, but contractors were unsure when construction would restart.
He believes it was wrong for certain groups to stop construction work over tenders as it affected the communities who required service delivery.
“We have heard the Black Business Forum has threatened workers with guns. For the safety of locals, work has stopped. However, the residents are the ones affected by incomplete roadworks.
“This has been a problem for years with contractors’ lives being threatened, surely the city should have come up with a solution to curb this,” he said.
Adrian Paul, also a resident, said he was all for the municipality affording the forum tenders, but asked how they would be screened.
“Jobs cannot be given to people just because they want them. They need to be qualified. I think these forums should engage with the city.”
Attempts to contact the Black Business Forum were unsuccessful.
Head of communications for the eThekwini Municipality, Tozi Mthethwa, said they were aware of the matter.
She said the delays were due to the construction and laying of a pipeline as part of the city’s Western Aqueduct infrastructure project.
“There have been a few challenges in implementing the project such as the construction of a large aqueduct in a narrow space as well as the recent heavy rains.
“The city is aware of the inconvenience experienced by residents and we apologise for this. The contractor is doing everything in his power to lessen the impact on residents,” she said.