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MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND GALLERY - Two couples in Island View, Mossel Bay, have complained about the state of the roads in that suburb.
They are Charles and Nelli Rich and Jayne and Shaun Lyle. But more are complaining. Residents in Island View have started a petition, addressed to the Mossel Bay municipal manager, which has already been signed by 70 households.
Nelli is happy to supply the names of the signatories.
PHOTO GALLERY: State of Roads in Island View
She says the roads have deteriorated terribly because of wear and tear and the heavy vehicles that use them – construction vehicles carrying heavy loads – because there is so much building taking place in Island View.
She warns that injuries and even deaths could take place if the roads are not repaired. In some places, it is impossible not to drive without scraping the underside of your car. You have to use only one side of the road.
Henning Road - the main road in the suburb - is the worst, she notes.
Property valuations
Nelli points out that according to property evaluations done by the municipality in 2021, properties in Island View are of a high value, but it will be impossible to sell or buy a house there with the current road conditions.
She also notes there should be more traffic rules for these steep roads and that they must be enforced because motorists drive dangerously and too fast.
Nelli says there should be stricter truck tonnage restrictions, which should be enforced stringently.
She also complains there are building materials strewn over the roads at times.
"Rates and taxes have increased. A certain portion of these rates and taxes should go towards repairing our roads," Nelli says.
"Henning Road was not built for this amount of traffic. It's come to the point where our roads cannot sustain the traffic."
Municipality
The Mossel Bay Advertiser asked the municipality for comment on the complaints about the roads.
Municipal director of Infrastructure Dick Naidoo said: "Mossel Bay Municipality is aware of the poor condition of the roads in Island View, as detailed assessments were completed by municipal consultants during November 2021.
Photos: Linda Sparg
"Provision has been on the capital programme for the roads, which have been damaged extensively by heavy duty vehicles, to be completely reconstructed in phases, as from the 2022/23 financial year. Some of the existing tarred roads will be resealed/rehabilitated as part of the maintenance programme which is currently in progress.
"However, any emergency work, such as pothole repairs and replacement of damaged signs, will be addressed immediately by the relevant municipal departments. The municipal Traffic Department will carry out regular enforcement in the area to prevent traffic violations."
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