Gonubie residents frustrated by delayed R42m revamp of roads

A major road rehabilitation project launched by Buffalo City Metro in Gonubie in June 2025 is continuing across several neighbourhoods despite concerns over delays and repeated changes to the scope of work.

The municipality initially announced that the R42m road revamp programme would be completed within six months.

However, nearly a year later, construction work is still under way in several streets.

Project figures show that 3,199 tonnes of asphalt has been laid to date, covering about 3.92km of roadway, excluding sections of 1st and Smith streets, where work is still continuing.

The project has also included the installation of 5,433.8m of kerbing, 290.66 tonnes of road patching, 179 driveway concrete sections and upgrades to 43 stormwater structures.

Roads already completed include 10th Avenue, West Street, End Street, 18th Avenue at Evans Street, Oceanway, 15th Avenue and 9th Avenue.

Work is currently under way on 1st Street and 8th Avenue.

The current contract value for the ongoing phase stands at R14.9m excluding VAT, with a contract duration of 10 months.

Gonubie Ratepayers’ Association chair Henri Smit claimed the project had stalled due to alleged non-payment of contractors.

“It looks like there is a problem with finances because there are still several streets that need to be fixed,” Smit said.

“I do get complaints from residents about roads that are being started but not finished.”

A drive through the suburb on Friday showed several streets and avenues under repair, while many roads remained riddled with potholes and incomplete pavements.

Construction equipment stationed in 3rd Street appeared to have been unused for some time, with about three workers present to guard the machinery.

More than 30 years after families were evicted from their Mdantsane homes under the former Ciskei government, a R89m Cambridge West housing project meant to benefit 275 verified households remains the subject of dispute over delays, consultation and access. The development is intended to compensate families displaced during the era of the Ciskei National Independence Party. The removals were reportedly linked to disputes over rent, municipal services and related payments. More than 1,500 people were left homeless at the time, but a verification process by the provincial government has since confirmed 275 legitimate beneficiaries, allowing the project to proceed. Buffalo City Metro spokesperson Bongani Fuzile said a detailed progress report would be presented to council. Officials said bulk infrastructure had been completed, including internal roads, kerbing, stormwater drainage, and water and sewer systems. Construction of houses was under way, with several units already finished. Mayor Princess Faku said the project formed part of efforts to address historical injustices. “We cannot undo what happened in the past, but projects like this ensure that our people can rebuild their lives with dignity and security,” she said. However, the DA has raised concerns about the project’s implementation, pace and community engagement. DA human settlements portfolio committee member Kwanele Zonke said consultation had not been meaningful. “While the municipality has conducted some consultation, families continue to cry out that it has not been meaningful or involving,” he said. “Engagements have not been productive, and communities feel excluded. This undermines transparency.” Zonke said delays remained a major concern. “The pace has been slow. Poor co-ordination between departments and stakeholders is causing delays. “Families have waited far too long, and urgent responses are needed if dignity is to be restored,” he said. He also questioned the accessibility of the beneficiary verification process, noting that some qualifying beneficiaries had since died. “Their children may not be fully aware of the procedures. The committee must do more to ensure fairness and clarity,” he said. We will guard against irregularities in budget allocation and procurement While acknowledging the project as a positive step, Zonke warned that delays weakened its impact. “A right delayed is a right denied. These families should not still be waiting decades later under a democratic government.” He said oversight would be tightened to prevent irregularities. “We will guard against irregularities in budget allocation and procurement. “Clarity is also needed on the role each sphere of government will play in this and future housing projects,” he said. The DA has called for a clear oversight plan, a transparent implementation schedule and improved community engagement. Zonke also raised concerns about access to the development. “If hundreds of houses are built, there must be an additional road into the area to prevent congestion and ensure safe, practical access. “This must form part of the planning and delivery,” he said. Despite the criticism, the municipality maintains the project is progressing and says it is creating employment opportunities for local residents while contributing to economic activity. The Dispatch previously reported that the development was awarded to Express Builders by Buffalo City Metro and the provincial human settlements department in 2021, with civil works at the site starting in March that year. Click here to join the Daily Dispatch’s WhatsApp channel and get the latest news delivered straight to your phone Daily Dispatch

Ward councillor Valerie Knoetze said the project had experienced repeated setbacks linked to changes in the scope of work and delays in administrative processes.

“When I initially met with the contractors and BCM engineers, I was told the streets and avenues included in the scope of work were earmarked by the executive mayor’s office,” Knoetze said.

“To date, the scope has changed multiple times and new purchase orders have also been delayed more than once, which slows the project down.”

Knoetze said she had also questioned whether funds allocated to the project were ring-fenced, but had not yet received clear answers from municipal officials.

“I will continue with this line of questioning,” she said.

However, Knoetze added that, to her knowledge, contractors involved in the project did not currently have any outstanding invoices owed by the municipality.

A R12m upgrade to the Galway Road crossing in Nahoon has been completed and officially opened after the June 2024 floods damaged parts of Buffalo City Metro. The upgraded crossing, which links Galway Road and Mackenzie Street, was officially opened this week as part of efforts to improve flood resilience, traffic flow and pedestrian safety. BCM mayor Princess Faku said the project marked an important milestone in the municipality’s commitment to building safer, more resilient infrastructure for residents. “The project has delivered a modern, all-weather road and culvert structure designed to improve traffic flow, enhance pedestrian safety and ensure better management of water flow along the Inhlanza stream,” Faku said. The project was funded through the disaster grant programme after the previous structure was found to be inadequate to withstand severe weather and growing traffic volumes after last year’s floods. Work included the construction of a 2x1500x3000 portal culvert crossing, reinforced concrete headwalls, gabions and erosion-protection measures. Road layer works, asphalt surfacing, stormwater drainage, kerbing, pavements and streetlights were also completed. Existing water and electricity services were relocated and protected during construction. Faku said the intervention had not only restored a critical transport link but had also upgraded the infrastructure to better serve surrounding communities for years to come. She also acknowledged residents and stakeholders who participated in the environmental approval and consultation processes, saying their support contributed to the successful completion of the project. Click here to join the Daily Dispatch’s WhatsApp channel and get the latest news delivered straight to your phone Daily Dispatch

Municipal spokesperson Bongani Fuzile denied claims that the project had been abandoned.

“Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality has not abandoned the Gonubie road works project,” Fuzile said.

“The municipality remains committed to completing the project and addressing the outstanding works.”

The Dispatch reported in June 2025 that the metro had received additional grant funding from the National Treasury for the rehabilitation project, including an extra R1.6m used to repair the concrete roadway at Oceanway.

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