Ward 104 Clr Tracey Lourenco has raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of the bridge over the Kabbel River on De Villiers Avenue, near the Edleen enclosure and Jack Baumann Street, saying urgent intervention is needed before the next rainy season.

According to Lourenco, the bridge continues to deteriorate despite repeated concerns being raised with the relevant municipal departments.

With the rainy season only a few months away, residents remain concerned that no visible repair work or maintenance plans have been implemented for the critical piece of infrastructure.

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“The Roads and Stormwater Department has been made aware of the seriousness of the bridge’s disintegration. Should heavy rains arrive before repairs are undertaken, there is a real risk that the bridge could suffer extensive damage or be washed away entirely,” said Lourenco.

“I will continue to place pressure on the department to prioritise and execute the necessary repairs.”

She said addressing the issue now would significantly reduce both the extent of future damage and the cost of more extensive reconstruction later.

Lourenco added that the area has long experienced challenges with underground water, which continue to affect infrastructure in the ward.

She highlighted ongoing concerns in Apie le Roux Street, where the subsoil drainage system has reportedly collapsed again.

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According to Lourenco, residents previously undertook repairs themselves after municipal intervention failed to materialise.

She further stated that Apie le Roux Road has deteriorated to the point where it is no longer safely drivable, creating inconvenience and safety concerns for both residents and motorists.

A petition outlining these concerns was submitted to council several months ago, but Lourenco said no formal outcome or response has been received.

“The continued neglect of essential infrastructure poses an ongoing threat to public safety, mobility and service delivery. If decisive action is not taken, the long-term consequences and repair costs will only escalate,” she said.

Lourenco believes residents deserve clear communication, accountability and urgent intervention before the situation develops into a larger infrastructure crisis.

Kempton Express sent an inquiry to the City of Ekurhuleni on June 19, requesting comment by June 22.
At the time of going to print, no response had been received.