The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has spent R48m on the construction and rehabilitation of two Modderfontein Road bridges.

This was revealed after Inyoni Creek residents Lyonell Fliss and Shirley Pein raised concerns regarding the continued construction of the Modderfontein Road North Bridge.

In addition to affecting residents, many of whom live in the nearby Rand Aid retirement villages, and commuters, the delays in completing the bridge have also impacted businesses, as it affects their day-to-day operations and ability to generate income.

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For several years, Fliss and Pein have expressed numerous concerns about the prolonged construction of the bridge and its impact on the community, particularly traffic congestion during peak hours.

Bricks for Africa owner Desai Dharmesh said the project has cost his business about 30% of its trade since construction began in 2021.

The JRA head of department for infrastructure development, Kwazelela Mcetywa, previously told the Bedfordview and Edenvale News that the northern bridge is vulnerable to further erosion beneath the structure, which led to its closure.

Mcetywa explained that the northern bridge was closed to protect public safety and reduce traffic loads on the structure.

He said the widening of the southern bridge was underway to accommodate the widening of the Jukskei River.

However, similar work still needed to be completed on the northern bridge. The repairs and upgrades are necessary to prevent floodwater from the Jukskei River from flowing over the bridges.

Responding to a request for comment sent on August 8, Mcetywa said although the northern bridge remains under construction, the project has cost the JRA R48m.

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He said the project was previously implemented by the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA).

“The JRA took over the project after the JDA terminated its contract with the contractor,” said Mcetywa.

“The JRA then appointed the current contractor, which is completing the project.”

When asked why construction on the northern bridge had halted, Mcetywa explained that this was due to payment delays.

“The JRA is currently engaging with the contractor to resume work and complete the project,” said Mcetywa.