M4 Tongaat River bridge repair limbo dents economy

Local businesses continue to suffer economic hardships while the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) remains tight-lipped on progress, if any, regarding the repair of the damaged Tongaat River bridge on the M4.

Closed since last year’s April floods, there is still no sign of any construction activity taking place.

After five failed tender attempts, Sanral is yet to reveal the outcome of its sixth attempt at a closed tender which closed on May 12. Five bids were reportedly received.

iLembe Chamber of Commerce CEO, Cobus Oelofse, said it was encouraging that the scope and design for the repair had not been changed in the latest tender.

“Sanral indicated they are committed to fast-tracking the adjudication process and it is our understanding that the estimated time for construction and repairs would be eight weeks,” he said.

Hard-hit businesses are losing patience, however.

Pick n Pay Ballito Junction owner, Michael Lafferty said the M4 serves as a scenic, economical route for consumers and the business sector.

He said people loved driving up the coast to do their shopping here, but that has fallen away to a large extent. Shopping traffic to Ballito and surrounds have further been impacted by the opening of malls at Umdloti and Tongaat.

“This has created a domino effect, and as a result of people going elsewhere for business and pleasure, businesses’ bottom line has been significantly impacted,” Lafferty said.

The lack of a functioning bridge has also hindered growth, Engen Ballito manager Rajesh Ramperthab said.

When the M4 bridge was closed, his business immediately felt the pinch.

“Nobody needs additional expenses,” Ramperthab said, highlighting that the closure of the bridge disrupted the daily route of many motorists and visitors to the region, resulting in businesses closest to the M4 suffering the consequences.

“This has really hurt Ballito’s economy. Those who are now forced to take the toll road also pay about R540 extra per month because the M4 route is cut off.”

Oelofse voiced his frustration with the delay in repairing the bridge.

“It is frustrating that we are entering yet another holiday period with this scenic route on the North Coast remaining closed. We will stay in contact with Sanral to ensure the significant impact on our local economy remains front of mind,” he said.

eThekwini Metro ward 58 councillor, Geoff Pullan, reported he was told by surveyors that a bridge would be built parallel to the existing bridge, but Oelofse pointed out this was part of an existing upgrade plan to improve road infrastructure into and out of the North Coast, and not to replace the existing bridge.

Despite numerous enquiries to Sanral, the Courier had received no feedback.

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