KNYSNA NEWS - Frustration is mounting in Hornlee as residents continue to wait for the completion of the long-delayed reconstruction of Heatherdale Street, with the Knysna Municipality now pushing the expected completion date to June 2026 - more than a year after the original target.

The issue has sparked strong criticism from the People's Movement for Change (PMC) Garden Route, which says the municipality has "failed the Hornlee community again" by allowing the collapsed road to remain unfinished for years.

According to PMC Garden Route, the prolonged construction has left residents living with uncertainty, ongoing disruption, and growing concern over damage to nearby homes and surrounding infrastructure.

Answers demanded

"The people of Hornlee deserve better. They deserve a reliable and safe road network, not empty promises and excuses," the organisation said in a public statement.

PMC questioned the municipality's commitment to service delivery and the effective management of public funds, calling for accountability and a clear explanation for the delays.

The organisation further demanded a firm completion timeline and urged residents to join its call for action.

Several challenges

In response to media queries, Knysna Municipality confirmed that construction on Heatherdale Street began in October 2024, with the initial completion date set for April 2025.

However, the project has since been delayed by more than a year, with completion now anticipated in June 2026.

A municipal spokesperson said the delays were caused by significant geotechnical challenges linked to slope failure in the affected area, which required additional investigations and specialist stabilisation measures.

A specialist shoring subcontractor has now been appointed to install lateral support structures to stabilise the slope and prevent further movement. The subcontractor is expected on site during the week of 30 April, with installation expected to take about a week before the remaining road rehabilitation can continue.

The municipality also cited weather-related disruptions, underground service relocations, contractor constraints, labour disruptions linked to cashflow problems, and unplanned service damage incidents as contributing factors.

Although the appointed contractor failed to meet the original timelines, the municipality said the contract remains active and penalties have been enforced where applicable. Recovery plans, improved site management, and specialist subcontractors have also been introduced.

Damage prevention

To prevent further damage to surrounding properties, the municipality said mitigation measures include controlled excavation, stormwater management, underground service protection, and continuous monitoring under professional engineering supervision.

Municipal officials said weekly updates are being provided to residents through the community liaison officer, while the ward councillor receives regular progress reports.

'Service delivery failures'

Despite these assurances, frustration remains high among affected residents, many of whom say the unfinished road has become a symbol of broader service delivery failures in the area.

For PMC Garden Route, the issue goes beyond one street.

"It's time for change," the organisation said.

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