Residents in parts of Robinvale and Saxonsea in Atlantis, have vented their disappointment with the ongoing delays and apparent chaos in the rehabilitation of water pipes in Atlantis.
In addition to being behind schedule, exposed water pipes, damaged fittings and dangerous road conditions are just some of the challenges residents have to deal with every time they step outside their front doors. Allegations by a whistleblower of reclaimed materials used, were denied by the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien. The contractor, Nejeni Construction, did not comment on questions posed to them via email. Residents say the lack of communication seems to be an ongoing theme when it comes to local construction projects.
Beuron Ranck, who lives in Saxonsea, is one of many frustrated residents in the area. He requested a copy of the project’s Critical Path Schedule. “For the sake of transparent communication, I believe this document would assist in informing us about expected disruptions and the overall project timeline. But I received no response,” said a despondent Ranck. He said the local sub-council office also did not have a copy of this document, which he found very strange.
When asked if there were any delays with these projects in Atlantis, Badroodien did not confirm or deny this. Insterad he said there are three separate ongoing works projects, one of which has already reached practical completion. The remaining two are scheduled for completion within the next week. “The projects are now in their closure stages, and residents can expect backfilling and reinstatement activities to take place within the next two weeks,” he confirmed last week.
Badroodien said the contractor faced significant challenges in maintaining the barricade netting due to ongoing theft. In response, additional security measures have been implemented, and the City’s Metro Police were asked to assist. On the matter of alleged reclaimed or used materials being utilised, he said control hold-point inspections are conducted before acceptance and handover, including visual inspections and hydraulic pressure tests. “The works will not be accepted or handed over until these inspections have been completed and approved.”
The use of exposed water pipes with valves, while new pipes are being replaced, is also a concern to residents in these areas. The City claims this is standard practice in projects involving trenchless pipe replacement. “This temporary bypass provides an uninterrupted water supply to residents while the underground water mains are being replaced. Safety measures typically include anchoring it with sandbags, and regular inspections to minimise the risk of tampering or accidental damage, such as from vehicles driving over it,” said Badroodien. Residents living in Nelly Lane, Robinvale complained about delinquent children in the neighbourhood randomly opening and closing these valves. When Impact News visited several streets in Robinvale in August, dozens of these valves were exposed, with sandbags placed only in line with driveways, leaving many of these valves exposed.
Saxonsea residents channelled their concerns to the City via the Community Liaison Officer, Manfred van Rooyen. “The layout of the pipes in the streets is untidy, why were they not laid against the boundary walls or fencing of homes? We drive over these pipes when entering our homes,” said one Saxonsea resident. Another added: “On the bend of Kent Crescent, you literally have to drive on the far right, hoping that a vehicle will not bump into your car. I’ve had quite a few close encounters, especially with the MyCiti buses coming around that bend. The same goes for the corner of Lisboa Street, where you have to swerve to the right to pass the dugouts, and move into the bus lane. This is very unsafe, especially in rainy weather. Residents agreed that it is unfair of the City to always expect residents to foot the bill for poorly planned and executed work by contractors.”
“Early warning signs should have been noted, and the City should have intervened and reconsidered the contractor’s ability to execute the project. What happens when the project moves to other streets in Atlantis? Will the same mistakes be made?” they asked.
