Poor workmanship on the bridge known as KwaMatabane Bridge in Ward 10 in Tembisa, continues to put communities’ lives at risk.
Clr Mabenkenyane Thamahane, DA spokesperson for human settlements in Ekurhuleni, said: “I recently posed questions to the MMC for infrastructure, alderman Robert Mashigo, regarding the state of the bridge in order to get answers.
“The bridge was maintained in 2013/2014 at a cost of around R1.5-million. When I asked if the department was aware that the bridge had collapsed again, I was told the stormwater structure had reached its lifespan and needed to be replaced,” Thamahane said in a statement.
“The department said it had issued an IPW with an amount of R500 000 to consultants to investigate the replacement of this stormwater structure. It has also placed another R2-m in the mid-year budget adjustment for the implementation/construction of the new structure.
“I am calling on the MMC of infrastructure to treat the people of the City of Ekurhuleni with dignity and ensure that projects are completed and maintained regularly to increase their lifespan.
“The DA pressured the city into fixing the bridge in 2013 by petitioning the metro to act. We will do the same once again to make sure the people of the community are cared for. We will ensure that this time the repairs are done right and that shoddy workmanship is a thing of the past,” he added.
“We will continue to monitor the progress closely. This crucial bridge connects Tembisa to other communities and we cannot allow it to fall into disrepair. The community of Tembisa deserves a caring government that puts the people first. The DA is that government and we will continue to hold the failing ANC to account.”
