When the clock strikes three on Monday afternoon, the Umzimkhulu River Bridge on the South Coast will be closed for emergency repairs and rehabilitation, a move that various stakeholders have welcomed.
KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma said the closure marks the beginning of the emergency repairs and rehabilitation of the bridge, built in 1958, using the old caisson construction system.
“The repairs of the bridge will reinstate its durability for around 25 years and more,” Duma said.
He explained that the bridge’s piers were destabilised by prolonged rainfall and flooding, causing them to rotate. This compromised the bridge’s structural integrity, making it unsafe for motorists and the closure was necessary to ensure public safety.
Duma announced the following:
- P464 will be used as an alternative route for now as they await Transport Minister Barbara Creecy’s approval to waive toll fees at the Oribi Toll gates ramps north and south.
- If the toll waiver for the N2 is granted, there would be concurrent repair of P464 alongside the bridge, ensuring a safer and more efficient travel route for all users.
- The project, which will take six months to complete, has been allocated R190 million.
- About 121 local community members will be employed and will work 528 days with combined salaries of around R11.7 million.
- A public liaison committee will be appointed through the municipality and the Department of Transport, with nominated members representing various community organisations by March 28, 2025.
- The community liaison committee’s recruitment and selection process will commence on April 11, 2025.
- Work will commence on site on May 11, 2025, following work permit approval.
- The approximate value of contracts awarded to emerging contractors is estimated to be R7 632 000.
- The South African Police Service will act firmly against any rogue elements or construction mafias attempting to extort money or to stop the repairs.
Duma said: “We postponed the closure as we wanted to engage with key stakeholders.”
“I wish to pay tribute to the Institution of Traditional Leadership and Khoisan, leaders of political parties—African National Congress and Democratic Alliance, Ray Nkonyeni Business Association, Green Net, local ratepayers associations, South African National Taxi Council in Ugu District, and many others too many to mention.”
Duma said they had a successful meeting on Sunday characterised by frank and robust discussions.
DA councillor in the Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality, Leon Garbade, said Ward 12 relies heavily on the bridge to get to work, schools and goods from the town.
“So for us, this is a massive godsend that the bridge was being repaired after quite a long while… It’s going to be made safe for all the commuters and pedestrians to be able to reach the town of Port Shepstone,” Garbade said.
With the project likely to take six months to complete, Garbade appealed for patience and understanding during that time, and to keep in mind that the result will be a safe, brand-new bridge connecting the town of Port Shepstone through Ward 12 to the outside world.
Ray Nkonyeni Business Association chairperson Nonhlanhla Madlala said the project allows business people and the sector to prosper.
Human rights and community activist Selvan Chetty thanked Duma and department officials for their swift response in attending the calls for the bridge to be dealt with in terms of their concerns.
“We are very positive that the reparation work that has been promised will be undertaken with speed and professionalism, as promised by the MEC and his officials,” Chetty said.