Fifth tender for M4 Tongaat River bridge repair fails
Sanral has not responded to a request for comment.
The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) again failed to award a tender for the M4 Tongaat River bridge repair, the fifth unsuccessful tender process since the bridge was damaged during the April floods last year.
This was revealed during a stakeholder engagement meeting at Mount Edgecombe Conference Centre on Tuesday, which was attended by iLembe Chamber of Commerce CEO, Cobus Oelofse.
Sanral is in the process of retendering for the project, however dates and details are yet to be confirmed. Sanral has not responded to a request for comment at the time of publication.
According to Oelofse, efforts are underway to revise the tender specifications significantly, but details are still not known.
Toll fees were also discussed, and a phased structure for the resumption of toll fees is being considered.
The meeting heard that Sanral has lost approximately R500-million in revenue because of toll fee collection suspension at the uThongathi and uMvoti toll plazas.
Oelofse pointed out that a notice is required to be published in the Government Gazette ahead of any plans to reintroduce toll fees.
“The Chamber reiterated its position that tolls should remain suspended until such a time that the M4 alternative route is fully accessible, the R102 as an alternative road can accommodate any additional traffic, and the N2 restrictions have been lifted, allowing for the full use of this national toll road,” Oelofse said.
Follow The North Coast Courier on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube for breaking news
Telegram Broadcast Service: https://t.me/joinchat/yJULuN8NaCs5OGM0
WhatsApp Broadcast Service: Add The Courier to WhatsApp at 082 792 9405 and WhatsApp your name and surname to be added.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
