The Water World and Court Crescent projects in East London continue to forge ahead despite recent rainfall causing delays to both schemes.
The Water World project is on track for completion by the end of November, says the Buffalo City Metro Development Agency (BCMDA).
Currently the scope of work and anticipated project duration remains unchanged and will take 18 months to complete, notwithstanding that we have lost two months due to Covid-19
“Currently the scope of work and anticipated project duration remains unchanged and will take 18 months to complete, notwithstanding that we have lost two months due to Covid-19," said agency spokesperson Oyama Makalima. “We anticipate completion at the end of November 2021, just in time for the festive season.”
The project comes at a cost of R103m. According to Makalima, the "physical" part of the project is 40% completed, and all key demolition work has been done. “Earthworks for the amphitheatre and swimming pools are complete.
“The swimming pool brickwork is already at 70%. Water reticulation work is 90% completed and sewer work is 95% completed, while the stormwater system work is at 80%.”
The next few months will be see the completion of the brickwork, and backfilling for the amphitheatre and swimming pools, as well as the sand pit, he added.
New buildings such as the lifeguard house, ablution facilities and changing rooms have taken shape, where the earthworks are over the halfway mark.
“The next few months will focus on foundation footings, which is at 57% completion, and the foundation brickwork, which stands at 41%," Makalima said.”
At the Esplanade, the Court Crescent project has been delayed by rain.
We’ve tried to cover up this loss by working over the weekends and longer hours
“We’ve tried to cover up this loss by working over the weekends and longer hours,” Makalima said.
“The construction team has also been able to deal with the water flooding down to the site by redirecting water from Moore Street and Fitzpatrick Road. This has meant that the impact of rain has been lessened.”
The work was supposed to be completed in mid-December before the start of the 2020 festive season.
The completed Sleeper Site road on to Currie Street has helped ease traffic congestion, while Tutton Terrace and Panmure Place are undergoing roadworks, Makalima added.
“We’re cautiously optimistic that we’ll complete this phase of work by the end of February.
“We’re still on track to complete the project within the allocated budget as some of the delays fall within the planned contingencies.”
The project is costing the city R87m.
“We’re convinced that we’re at the cusp of making a significant change to the face of the metro beachfront, so we plead for the public to bear with delays in the process.”
DispatchLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.