A CHOIR of disenchanted local road users has reached a stage of “weet nie meer watter kant toe nie” with the inability of Paarl roads to negotiate the ever growing numbers of traffic.
This gives rise to much frustration, especially when considering the ongoing roadworks countrywide and begs the question, what are the town fathers and others responsible doing?
Overlooking the valley of Paarl is a striking viaduct, surely one of the most challenging projects ever embarked on in SA, yet in the valley below we are lost and completely directionless.
Twenty years down the line and we are still faced with the inadequacy of the Jan van Riebeeck Drive (name also outdated) through-road.
One would think national or provincial funding must be available for a through road if properly motivated.
Can you believe the grief the road user must suffer because of an age old problem along the side of the road, in the area bordering DalJosaphat stadium, that causes much congestion?
It completely defeats the object of the by-pass in Huguenot, and the dual lanes further down towards Wellington. New available technology can surely very easily resolve this old problem.
The inability, also for around 20 years, to complete the Van der Stel Bypass (another outdated name) is also an issue.
Again the same applies for a through-road or bypass, surely national or provincial funds are available? This will alleviate the overall pressure on both these roads.
The Municipality has been “working” on and off on the stretch bordering Allandale prison. Logic however suggests a huge risk and safety element, when eventually finished, running straight by a high school and busy residential area.
All the extensions on this road (at Dal Josaphat Stadium and beyond maybe even over the railway line with some vision) and at the municipal pool and beyond, are all a distant dream, nothing more.
The intersection at Spilo if properly considered, with slipways on all sides, can be a part to the answers in this intriguing situation, to ensure free-flowing traffic. Go anywhere around our country and see the mechanics of these huge intersections working smoothly, except in Paarl where we appear to be absolutely clueless.
Who ever thought up the masterpiece and suggested the two traffic lights, in close proximity, on Optenhorst Street, close to the Agrimark and then at the bank of the Berg River?
These are so illogical yet are enforced upon the road-user, so they can drown in total frustration.
In a “normal” world, one would put all this work out to tender, with proper civil construction companies and consulting engineers. Normal conditions will include timelines with corresponding penalty clauses.
Where one is confronted with a lack of skill in whatever regard, or an expert opinion is required, it is quite simple: consult!
Cry our beloved Valley!
A most despondent, local, paying road user
