DURBAN - NORMALITY to the Glenwood and Umbilo areas could return by next month when work on the laying of fibre is expected to be completed.
Work on the project is expected to be completed by July 1.
There has been an outcry from residents in the Durban suburbs about the installation as they said the digging up of pavements to lay the fibre had resulted in burst water pipes and damage to electrical infrastructure.
As a result residents claimed they were experiencing constant electricity and water outages.
Ward 33 councillor Mmabatho Tembe said she and some community leaders had met with the road’s department and fibre companies to discuss the issues raised by residents.
“Fibre laying is at 90% completion. All reinstatement and rubble collection should be complete by July 1,” she said.
Tembe said there were currently no more companies coming to do the work. “But because it is not regulated properly, I wasn’t promised this would be the future case. I will send a list of all roads affected for completion.”
EThekwini Municipality spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said the fibre laying was not the city’s project.
“Before they start installation, they obtain authorisation/clearance from eThekwini Municipality. They submit all required approval forms to the relevant eThekwini departments and other respective service providers,” he said.
“We urge residents who would like to report or find out more information about the fibre installations in the area to call Roads and Stormwater Maintenance on 031 322 7241. All damage should be reported to this number as well, so that the offending parties can be dealt with.”
THE MERCURY