Fleet Street has been opened to traffic again less than two weeks after Buffalo City Metro appointed another contractor to finish the work which halted in September.
Metro spokesman Thandy Matebese confirmed that the road was open to traffic again.
“This is a temporary measure made in an endeavour to accommodate the anticipated traffic normally this time of the year,” said Matebese. “The westbound lane has been constructed to asphalt base level and the surfacing will still be constructed in the new year.”
He said opening the road over the festive season would alleviate the heavy traffic flow.
“This, coupled with the presence and visibility of law enforcement, will assist traffic flow and calm.”
Daily Dispatch recently reported that Kempton Park-based Siyahlobisa Projects had been replaced by Luqaqambo Civils to “bridge the gap” while the metro prepares a new tender. Matebese said it was expected it would take five months to appoint a new company. DA caucus spokesman Lance Weyer welcomed the opening.
“It is pleasing to see some work finally being done and things seemingly getting back on track. It is just unfortunate that this happens after pressure from opposition parties and the media,” he said.
Aaron du Plessis, who owns a shoe repair shop on Fleet Street, said he was pleased but it would take time to mend the damage done to his business because of the delays. “Most businesses are closing this week for Christmas so it really is too little too late, but if it stays open when we return in January, then maybe we’ll reap rewards.
“We just have to stay hopeful that business will turn around then,” said Du Plessis.
Owner of Office Incorporated, Nadine Balakrishne, said because she had just closed shop for the festive season, the opening of the road has not been to her advantage yet.
“Maybe in January I will be able to judge. The festive season is always quiet for my business, so it did not make sense to stay open. Some people are probably still unaware that the road is open.
“Opening Fleet Street will only benefit Quigney residents and revellers who go to the beach during this season. So I am just looking forward to the new year,” she said. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
Hardly Fleet but key arterial eventually opens
Metro spokesman Thandy Matebese confirmed that the road was open to traffic again.
“This is a temporary measure made in an endeavour to accommodate the anticipated traffic normally this time of the year,” said Matebese. “The westbound lane has been constructed to asphalt base level and the surfacing will still be constructed in the new year.”
He said opening the road over the festive season would alleviate the heavy traffic flow.
“This, coupled with the presence and visibility of law enforcement, will assist traffic flow and calm.”
Daily Dispatch recently reported that Kempton Park-based Siyahlobisa Projects had been replaced by Luqaqambo Civils to “bridge the gap” while the metro prepares a new tender. Matebese said it was expected it would take five months to appoint a new company. DA caucus spokesman Lance Weyer welcomed the opening.
“It is pleasing to see some work finally being done and things seemingly getting back on track. It is just unfortunate that this happens after pressure from opposition parties and the media,” he said.
Aaron du Plessis, who owns a shoe repair shop on Fleet Street, said he was pleased but it would take time to mend the damage done to his business because of the delays. “Most businesses are closing this week for Christmas so it really is too little too late, but if it stays open when we return in January, then maybe we’ll reap rewards.
“We just have to stay hopeful that business will turn around then,” said Du Plessis.
Owner of Office Incorporated, Nadine Balakrishne, said because she had just closed shop for the festive season, the opening of the road has not been to her advantage yet.
“Maybe in January I will be able to judge. The festive season is always quiet for my business, so it did not make sense to stay open. Some people are probably still unaware that the road is open.
“Opening Fleet Street will only benefit Quigney residents and revellers who go to the beach during this season. So I am just looking forward to the new year,” she said. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos