Whenever any street or avenue in the city shall be ordered improved by the construction, repair or reconstruction of any sidewalk, curb or gutter the duty and expense of constructing, repairing, reconstructing or maintaining the same shall devolve upon the owner of the property directly abutting on that side of the street on which the sidewalk, curb or gutter is constructed, repaired or reconstructed.
(1992 Code, § 7-1-407)