No end in sight for Waterkant Road pipeline project

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13-02-2025
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Northglen News
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The project commenced in 2022 and is yet to be completed.

IT’S been two years and counting and repairs to Waterkant Road are yet to be completed.

The excavation of the road started in 2022 after the eThekwini Municipality announced that it would be upgrading the water pipeline along the road. This entailed excavating the road, laying a 200m pipe and then reinstating the road.

Along the way, the project was halted by several hiccups such as a change of contractors, budget constraints and the lack of bitumen which lasted four months.

However, the end is near, says Ward 36 councillor Heinz de Boer, who is confident that the project should be complete within the next few months.

“The project has just entered its third year. This pipe is the main feeder pipe into Athlone and Umgeni Park. It was still the asbestos pipe which had to be replaced with plastic. This was done section by section,” he said.

“Most of the pipeline has been laid and the road tarred again closer to Pick n Pay Hyper By The Sea. It has been frustrating for residents who have been patient through the entire process. I have about 24 enquiries ongoing about this road from residents wanting to know when the project will be completed,” he added.

Another snag was that certain machinery was needed and specialist valves needed to be purchased.

“Now that these two items have been procured, the project can continue,” said De Boer.

The Northglen News reported on Waterkant Road last year when the cycling and running community who utilised this route, said they had to find other routes to cycle and run on.

The excavated sections of the road are also a hindrance and danger to motorists who have to move onto the oncoming lane to avoid the rubble and debris on the road.

Mike Horak, who purchased his property on Waterkant Road six years ago, is concerned that the value of his property will decrease should the workmanship not be of high standard.

“Another issue is that this project has no end in sight. They come dig up and then leave. A few months later, someone comes to fill the hole and then you don’t see them again. There’s no goal, no completion date and its made the living experience here horrendous,” he added.

Horak said Waterkant Road used to be such a lively street, a buzz with road runners and cyclists but even they are unable to use the route anymore as it poses a threat.

“You do get the odd cyclist or runner still using the road but it’s a danger to their lives because two cars can’t pass at the same time and there are no sidewalks. The lane for cyclists and runners has been excavated,” he added.

The City did not comment at the time of publishing.