OTTAWA RESIDENTS UP IN ARMS

 

                 

 

The residents of the village of Ottawa, near Verulam – north of Durban - are up in arms and have reached the end of their tether over the disruptions to their water and electricity supplies on a daily basis.

The interruptions escalated just over two weeks ago when constant damages had been caused to water pipes and electricity cables by workers employed by a fibre company.

On Sunday (Sept 26) the residents, mainly from Riverview and Munn Roads, vigorously condemned at a meeting the lack of work supervision by the contractors.

The residents pointed out the there has been no communication with the residents about the installation of the fibre cables and they have not been informed about the contractors carrying out the digging on the verges of the roads.

“What we are concerned about is the shoddy work being carried out by the contractors and their labourers, the frequent service disruptions the community has to endure due to their shoddy workmanship,” said Andisha Maharaj, convenor of the Ottawa Environmental Forum.

The Ottawa Environmental Forum has submitted a lengthy document to the municipality about the problems. It has also sought the assistance of a helpful councillor, Mr Rory McPherson.

“We are concerned that we as ratepayers are not being taken seriously. We cannot put up with this kind of oppressive treatment,” said Ms Maharaj.

Ms Maharaj said the community must be consulted when major plans and development projects are to be undertaken in Ottawa and other residential areas.

One of the organisers of the meeting, Captain Newpaul said another issue of major concern was community and public safety.

“Approximately one-metre-wide holes were dug on both sides of Riverview Road and Munn Road intersections last week before the start of the long weekend. There were no safety barriers or reflective tapes around these holes. There were no warning signs erected.

“Electric cables and water pipes were left exposed. Heaps of sand were left on the road which became a driving hazard.

“We the community have no idea who the contractors are and who authorised such work,” he said.

He said they wanted greater communication between the residents and contractors before any further work could be carried out.

Several residents said they had lodged their complaints regularly with the municipality but it seemed that their concerns were not being tackled with any urgency. Ends – subrygovender@gmail.com  Sept 27 2021  10:20