The DA in Steve Tshwete requested the MMC for Infrastructure Development, Marumo Sekgwele, to prioritise the rehabilitation of a low-water bridge that collapsed in Koppie Street, Ward 15, Kanonkop.

The bridge is situated at the back of Kees Taljaard Stadium and is prone to flooding, and consequent damage during the rainy season.

Whenever there is heavy rain, this bridge overflows, prompting the municipality to close the bridge.

Since Integrated Development Plan (IDP) engagements from 2016, residents have been urging the municipality to upgrade this bridge.

Concerningly, the municipality has been turning a blind eye to the needs of this community, Kanonkop DA councillor Helda de Klerk says.

As a result, the bridge has continued to deteriorate over the years.

Currently, the surface is uneven and there are major cracks.

On a large part of the bridge, the tar layer and sublayers were entirely removed by surging floods, exposing the original concrete structure.

Overall, the bridge is no longer in a good condition.

De Klerk says the infrastructure of the bridge is old, and due to soil erosion the bridge is likely to collapse completely.

This is a huge safety risk for the community of Kanonkop, and all motorists, De Klerk says.

“This is not just a bridge, a vital link for school children, pedestrians, and motorists. It is unacceptable to note how the community is suffering because of the ANC’s neglect” says De Klerk.

She called on the MMC to act in the interest of the community and assess the condition of this bridge to get a clear understanding of the work that needs to be undertaken with restoration.

The bridge has been closed for over three months, due to cash constraints at the municiplaity.

The municipality said it would fix the bridge once the new budget cycle kicked in on July 1.

Up to now nothing has been done and the bridge remain closed.