The KwaMatabane bridge in Thembisa Ward 10 has yet to be fixed since it fell apart in 2017.
DA Shadow MMC for Human Settlements in Ekurhuleni, Clr Mabekenyane Thamahane said: “After countless attempts to force the City of Ekurhuleni to finally repair the bridge, the DA in Council posed follow up questions.
“It was revealed that the Department of Roads and Stormwater issued an IPW with an amount of R500 000 to consultants to investigate the replacement of the bridge, which had been completed,” said Thamahane.
He said that after R2 000 000 was initially budgeted for by the department to fully repair the bridge in the 2020/2021 draft budget, the amount was subsequently not approved in the Mid-Year Adjustment Budget.
“What is concerning is that the bridge will thereby only be repaired in the next financial year,” added Thamahane.
Thamahane said this means that it has taken over four years for the metro to take action.
“This is a gross blight on the City’s already poor record of delivering service to the community. The bridge continues to pose a serious danger to pedestrians and commuters alike, and the DA will continue to do everything it can to hold the department to account in ensuring it is fully repaired.”
