No budget for repairs at Platina bridge at this time, but it is being prioritised

Once again, the Platina bridge in Jukskei Park has flooded following heavy rain, and the MMC of transport Kenny Kunene says there is no budget to repair the damages, even though the bridge has been made a priority.

March 12, 2025

Ayanda Ntshingila 2 minutes read

The Platina bridge, in Jukskei Park, has flooded again following the heavy rains on March 5.

Since the original flooding on March 7, 2023, Ward 115 councillor Mark van der Merwe has been expressing grave concern to Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) about the state of the bridge. Nearly two years later, the bridge has flooded again, making it an even more dangerous passage for both pedestrians and motorists.

Van der Merwe explained the situation of the bridge: “The state of the bridge is perilous, with side walkways washed away, exposing water pipes and electric cables. The risks have escalated yet again. It is currently closed.”

Councillor Mark Van der Merwe with MMC for Transport Kenny Kunene and his team at the Platina Bridge.

Also read: Residents on edge as flooding hits Platina bridge in Jukskei Park, again

Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla reported that a vehicle with occupants was indeed swept away by floodwaters at the Platina bridge. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, thanks to EMS Services and the Sea Rescue team who saved him.

“JMPD was on site that night, and in the morning, to manage the situation. Currently, the road is drivable. However, due to the bridge’s low-lying design, it is highly susceptible to flooding during rainfall. Residents and motorists are strongly advised to avoid using Platina Street during, or after, periods of heavy rain.”

Also read: ‘Jukskei Park Bridge repair estimate to 24m’ says JRA

MMC of Transport Kenny Kunene visited the site to assess the damage on March 6.

During the visit, Kunene reassured residents that immediate action would be taken to ensure their safety, and that the bridge has been put back on the radar for immediate action as it remains a significant danger to residents and motorists. “The bridge has been reported since 2023, but we didn’t have the budget. As JRA, we need to come up with interventions while waiting for the infrastructure grant to fix the bridge.”

Kunene has committed to prioritising the Platina bridge for repairs, underscoring the importance of addressing the ongoing threat to community safety.

Isaac Mangena, spokesperson for City Power, said: “City Power is aware of the unsafe conditions created in the aftermath of the localised flooding, which damaged parts of the Platina bridge, unearthing and exposing underground cables.

“Our teams are currently on site working on resolving the power supply disruption caused by the adverse weather conditions. We have decided to replace the damaged underground cables with overhead lines to prevent future erosion incidents.

JRA team starts cleaning up the Platina bridge after the floods.

“Regarding the bridge infrastructure, JRA is responsible. But in the meantime, we request customers to avoid the area and use alternative routes.”

Van der Merwe is still concerned about the safety of residents, as no timeframe for permanent repairs has been given. He had a meeting with JRA on March 6 to discuss their plans for the bridge repairs. “JRA said nothing can be done about the bridge as they are still waiting for the budget to be approved.”