Alicedale residents have expressed relief that a dangerous section of road near the town is finally being repaired.
Alicedale residents have expressed relief that a dangerous section of road near the town is finally being repaired.
"This work could not have happened at a better time," wrote Eli Konstant and John Bateson in a joint email sent last night.
The move follows months of pleas for a section of the MR476 linking the N10 to Alicedale.
The road has been a ticking time bomb, according to Konstant, who runs Hein's Cottage and Addo Reach.
Speaking to Grocott's Mail by telephone she said the a large pothole on the MR 476 embankment approximately 11km from the N10 had caused at least one accident.
“Something has to be done to remedy this without further delay if we are indeed to avoid serious accident and damage,” she said recently.
Konstant’s business partner, Bateson, agreed, adding that tyre skid marks in the area suggest “near misses” have occurred.
In numerous emails sent back and forth between concerned motorists and the Roads department, Siyamthemba Mzola who works for the Amathole road maintenance section, distanced himself.
“The section in question falls under the jurisdiction of Cacadu District,” Mzola said.
All concerns should be reverted to Marius Keyser, the District Roads Engineer for Cacadu District, he said.
According to Konstant, Captain Maqula of the South African Police Service in Alicedale suggested that the area had the same potential to culminate in collapse as was witnessed on the N2 near Seven Fountains last year.
Grocott's first reported on the Alicedale road hazard in June.
The MR 476 road, from Alicedale to N10, was tarred by the East Cape Provincial Roads construction department.
"We look forward to hearing that the additional amount of R24 million which the MEC advises is required for the satisfactory completion of this project is forthcoming," Bateson and Konstant wrote.
"And that the work will be undertaken by qualified and experienced teams, with a sensible ongoing maintenance programme put in place."
