New bridge to replace single-lane crossing bridge

STEELPOORT – Limpopo’s MEC for roads and public works, Dickson Masemola, said the department has partnered with local mines in the Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) to construct a new bridge in Steelpoort.

Masemola visited Ga Malekane on Friday, where he engaged traditional leaders on infrastructure development programmes of the government in partnership with the private sector.

The new bridge will replace the single-lane steel bridge at the intersection of the D2219 and R555.
He said the steel bridge will not be demolished, but will be reconstructed for pedestrian use. “Seven local mines have made financial commitments and will soon sign a memorandum of agreement with Road Agency Limpopo (RAL) for the project to commence,” revealed Masemola.

Steelburger/Lydenburg News previously received calls from motorists who complained about tension between drivers while crossing the steel bridge.

“I pass the steel bridge to and from work every day during peak hours; motorists don’t give one another a chance to pass. This has resulted in fights and insults. We will be glad if construction starts immediately,” said a resident, Frank Magolego.

Some of the locals alleged that the government had promised them a bridge several years back. “They have been singing the same song for a decade. Every time we approach elections, we are reminded of the bridge construction,” added another resident, Marvin Makhubo

The newspaper understands that this project has been on the Limpopo government’s radar for years. In February 2018, the RAL held a stakeholder engagement and fundraising session with the local business and mining sector in SDM. The fundraising was aimed at addressing a  1 173-kilometre backlog in roadworks in  the municipality.

During the meeting, it was revealed that the estimated cost of the construction of the new bridge was R81 million.