The handrail outside 64 Victoria Road in Clifton, which collapsed due to the removal of vegetation by the property owners Heron Waters, will be replaced by the City by the end of May.
Image: supplied
The City of Cape Town has committed to fixing the handrail on a section of road outside 64 Victoria Road, Clifton, by the end of May, after the trustees of the property, Heron Waters, raised issues concerning that section of the road over a year ago.
Among the issues reported by the trustees last May were the lack of stabilisation of the slopes below Victoria Road, which poses a risk of damage to the building in the event of flooding.
Additionally, the trustees said the lack of balustrade on the section of the road missing the handrail poses a public fall risk, and creates an unsafe area for road users.
They said there was a water leak on the premises - all of which they reported to the City and to the ward councillor Nicola Jowell.
The leaking water of the property was a result of Heron Waters fire connection, said the City of Cape Town.
Image: supplied
According to Ms Jowell, Heron Waters had contacted her in November 2024 asking for assistance on this issue. She said she forwarded it to the relevant departments within the City, who reverted swiftly.
"The very lengthy delay was not due to the City, but the Body Corporate, as the communication very clearly states the Body Corporate did not want the same type of fencing, but wanted something that would provide more privacy, and as a result they would replace it themselves and not the City."
She said for this reason, the fencing has not proceeded. "It was only when I brought this to their attention at the end of November/start of December last year that they realised the City had been waiting on them not the other way around."
While the City and Ms Jowell said the handrail would be fixed by end of May, if all goes according to plan, the other issues are to be resolved by Heron Waters themselves.
Mayoral committee member for urban mobility, Rob Quintas, said the handrail had collapsed due to the undercutting of vegetation by the property owners, Heron Waters.
"No approval nor authorisation was given to remove the handrail.
"The City placed concrete jersey barriers as a safety measure in the interim. We can confirm that if all goes according to plan, the handrail will be replaced by the end of May 2025."
Mr Quintas also said a geotechnical investigation showed that no immediate maintenance of the ground was needed. "The team also conducted an assessment of the retaining structure after observing concrete spalling on the face of the structure. They deemed it safe and have taken note for future minor maintenance."
He said furthermore, the leaking water comes from the property's fire connection. Heron Waters will have to attend to this or liaise with the City’s Water Services, and significant on-site soil stabilisation and maintenance must be carried out by the property owners.