Rocher Street in Mbombela has remained closed since early November following the collapse of an ageing Armco culvert beneath the carriageway.

According to the City of Mbombela’s (CoM) spokesperson, Joseph Ngala, the municipality closed a section of the street to protect the public and to allow a full technical assessment.

“A team has been deployed to inspect the collapsed area and determine the scope of remedial work. At this stage there is no imminent danger to the public, provided the closure is respected and the site is not accessed,” said Ngala at the time.

“Once the assessment is complete, the City will implement an action plan to reinstate the collapsed culvert and repair the roadway as quickly and safely as possible.”

Motorists and pedestrians were asked to avoid the closed section and use alternative routes until repairs are completed.

Lowvelder visited the site on Tuesday, January 6, and found the road still closed with no visible progress.

When Ngala was contacted for comment on Thursday, January 8, he explained: “The designs are finished and the appointment process of the contractor is under way. The work is anticipated to take about three months to complete.”