Update

KNYSNA NEWS - The construction on Gray Street in Knysna has been halted for the time being as contractors finally wrapped up work on the first three blocks of the road last week, with the other two set to be completed next year.

The redevelopment of Gray Street started in late February this year, and has in the nearly 10 months since been plagued by a series of trials and tribulations. 

The road was subdivided into five blocks, each separated by an intersection. Block 1 was between Waterfront Drive and Gordon Street, Block 2 between Gordon and Trotter streets, Block 3 between Trotter and Rawson streets, Block 4 between Rawson and Nelson streets, and lastly Block 5 between Nelson Street and the Main Road. 

Only a month into the project, however, work was halted and delayed significantly by the Covid-19 outbreak and subsequent lockdown.

In June work recommenced, and in early August a revised schedule was released with a completion date of 14 August for Block 1, a 16 September deadline for Block 2, and Block 3 set for completion by 13 October, while a timeline for work on Blocks 4 and 5 was dependent on the progress on the first three. 

Taxis have already started using the road since its reopening. 

Block 1 was opened for thoroughfare a week late on 21 August, but only received its final layer of tar in mid-September.

Work had already begun on Blocks 2 and 3 by the time the first was completed with Knysna Municipality attributing much of the problems to a wet road surface. In October, Knysnarians were given reason for cautious optimism as Acting Municipal Manager Dr Louis Scheepers revealed the new date for completion of Blocks 2 and 3 as 30 November. 

Contractors were close to meeting this deadline, as tools were laid down on the two blocks on 2 December and the road reopened on 3 December.

Despite the road surface being completed, road markings for the most part must still be painted and sidewalks completed. By the time of going to print, Knysna Municipality had not responded to specific enqueries from KPH on the future of the project. 

However, in a Facebook statement the municipality said, "The Contractor is still on-site observing safety issues; such as open manholes, open pits, and Kerbinet. They are also working on the wheelchair ramps in Gordon and Gray Street".