A detailed design of the N2 realignment project from Somerset West to Sir Lowry’s Pass is being finalised by South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral).
This according to Randall Cable, Sanral’s western region manager, who confirmed that once the design is completed, it will commence with stakeholder engagements.
“Sanral’s road project has already been approved,” he clarified, adding that the finalisation of dates for construction are currently being reviewed by Sanral and the City of Cape Town officials.
Cable did not divulge details of the duration and total cost of the construction project, stating only these matters were under review.
Asked to elaborate on the relocation plans, which will affect up to nine communities, including close to 6 000 residents in Nomzamo, he replied: “An Implementation Protocol (IP) in terms of the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act, Act 13 of 2005 was signed between Sanral and the City. The intention of the IP is that the City will assist in the relocation of all the households in the road reserve to allow Sanral to commence with the construction of the road immediately.”
Cable did not provide further details on the progress that has been made in this respect.
“The relocation of all the households in the road reserve must occur for construction of the road to take place. Sanral and the City, through the IP, are currently busy with various plans to ensure this can take place,” he added.
“Various contingency plans are being developed to ensure the project is not delayed once plans are finalised.”
According to preliminary plans the project to realign the N2 highway will start less than 100 m from Danie Ackermann Primary School and run for 13 km up to the bend at the bottom of Sir Lowry’s Pass.
Several homes in the Somerset West community of Helderzicht will also be affected. Sanral has not engaged with the affected community in at least two years, said community leader Ebenezer Sedgewick.
He expressed his concerns that some homeowners would be forcibly moved and without proper compensation and said the community would also be severely affected during the construction period as houses would be prone to damages.
Sedgewick has closely followed the project for several years and said there has been a constant struggle for clear information on a number of issues, particularly those affecting the community of Helderzicht.
According to Sedgewick none of the residents are pleased about their possible relocation, with some even seeking legal advice on how to counter any possible eviction.
Asked to comment on the plan to build a tunnel under parts of Helderzicht, Sedgewick said: “We were initially told that blasting would be necessary to build a tunnel, which we objected to because of the close proximity of homes to the site. And then we were told a chemical will be used to clear the ground, but this also seems unlikely.
“We just don’t know what to believe, but we also want access to all the details of the project so that we can properly assess the impact it will have on our homes.”
One of the affected homeowners is 72-year-old Geraldine Leen. She said years ago residents were told brand-new houses would be built for affected residents.
“Why must I move if I’m happy here? I’ve been staying in this house for 46 years; this community is my family and I want to continue staying here. I won’t move,” she stated.
