The City of Cape Town has refuted claims that the portion of the much-anticipated Sea Point Promenade and Granger Bay upgrade of R41 million has been taken over by the homeless after images were shared on social media.
A photograph shared on the Atlantic Seaboard Community Forum’s Facebook page, by a concerned resident, who asked why the construction had been halted at the Rocklands staircase at the beach front and why it was now home to the destitute.
The City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews confirmed that the construction was still under way and did not deny that the site was often “frequented” by the homeless and claimed it did not hamper the workmanship.
“The work at Rocklands Beach has not been stopped and is currently underway. Rough sleepers do frequent the area or the beach at times, but they have not “overtaken” the construction site,” he explained
“To date the paved walkway located opposite Hall Road, has been completed to connect the walkway along the beach to the sidewalk in Beach Road.
“The rock swale structure located between Three Anchor Bay and Rocklands beach along the promenade has also been completed.
“The contractor is in the process of completing the Rocklands Beach staircase.
“Work at Granger Bay is currently underway, with the coastal protective rock revetment nearing completion.
“The construction of concrete structures situated along the seaward side at Granger Bay is also currently underway. Once the seaward structures are complete the contractor will start completing the final surfacing for the parking area.”
Andrews confirmed that by the end of April this year, the project is expected to be completed.
Ward councillor, Nicola Jowell reiterated the same sentiments as Andrews but added that the completion would be a month later.
“.The contractors are still busy on the Promenade with this staircase and the parking lot. I think that completion will be towards the end of May,” she said.
In November Andrews confirmed hiccups with contractors continued to be problematic following a five month setback.
He said the current contractor's quality of work remained an acceptable standard and that they had envisioned the completion by February.
Officials stated that the upgrade had seen a set of delays due to the slow pace of contractors including occupational health issues which were raised.
The Sea Point, Fresnaye, Bantry Bay Ratepayers' & Residents Association did not respond to queries this week about the project.
Cape Argus