A multimillion-rand Sanral project to upgrade the R335 between Motherwell and Addo faces delays due to the mushrooming of dozens of shacks and other informal structures in the demarcated construction area.
The project includes the upgrading of the 27.5km N2 interchange spanning six Nelson Mandela Bay wards.
Sanral assistant contract engineer Gareth Pugh said the contractor would soon run out of working ground and urgently required the city to relocate 40 shacks for work to continue.
Pugh was giving a presentation at a human settlements committee on Friday.
“The formal relocation of the identified informal residential structures within the construction area has not been formally addressed.
“This impacts the project production and programme.
“The affected community members’ uncertainty of the future development regarding the forthcoming removal of their affected informal structures and the anticipated formal relocation may result in further project delays and potential community unrest.
“Assistance and advice are being sought in the process of relocating affected structures, including community engagement and adherence to relevant legal frameworks.”
Since the initial survey was conducted in 2017, there has been a significant influx of shacks encroaching on the work area, presenting considerable challenges during the design and construction phases of the project.
“The Covid-19 pandemic triggered a significant influx of informal structures, including dwellings, spaza shops, containers and extended informal fence lines.
“This development necessitated reassessment of the road design.
“As the contractor commenced work, a final survey revealed numerous new encroachments.”
The number of identified structures increased from three in 2017 to about 169 in 2024.
“To minimise the relocation of affected individuals and structures, the road reserve was placed as close as practically possible to the edge of the construction zone.
“Adjustments to the road reserve were proposed to accommodate the changes while balancing construction needs with the impact on the community.”
Pugh said about 40 shacks remained and needed to be relocated.
ANC councillor Gamalihleli Maqula wanted to know how Sanral would assist in the relocation process.
“What is the provision from your side or the contractor because those people can’t move and reconstruct their structures with the same old material,” Maqula said.
“Perhaps your homework to Sanral or the contractor is to find out if they can provide temporary residential units to the people.”
Human settlements political head Thembinkosi Mafana, said the city had identified 17 land parcels for emergency relocations and therefore land for the 40 structures was not a problem.
“Council resolved in December that land be identified, and the land will be used for this relocation and the people of Nomakanjani.
“We will conduct the relevant consultation with the relevant people, including ward councillors and the community.”
Responding to councillors, Pugh said the people were willing to move but were concerned about the area to which they would be moved.
“We have consulted with the residents, and they showed willingness but it’s very important that ward councillors reassure them about the area they will be moved to.
“It’s unfair to tell people that they will move but they don’t know where they will restart their lives.”
Pugh said he was certain Sanral or the contractor would be willing to assist the community where they could.
Last week, Ward 59 councillor Bulelani Matenjwa rejected the relocation of Nomakanjani informal settlement residents to a field in Ward 58, across the road from his area.
Matenjwa wrote to acting city manager Sizwe Mvunelwa requesting a comprehensive report on the council resolution regarding the relocation of Nomakanjani residents.
“Given the statements made by MMC for human settlements [Mafana] it appears that the mandatory processes were not followed before informing Nomakanjani residents about the move.”
Meanwhile, Ward 58 (Motherwell) councillor Mendiswa Makunga said residents in her ward were unhappy with the decision because they feared it would devalue their property.
Mafana had earlier told The Herald that the ward councillor had no problem with the relocation of the shack dwellers to her area.
The Herald
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