Long wait continues with no progress on P103 bridge repair inland of Ballito

Rain Farm Game and Lodge owner Chris McDaniel said two more accidents occurred on the road over the past two weeks.

Like the bridge, a portion of the road close by has also completely collapsed. Situated on a bend it is a serious danger zone.

“No warning sign or barriers have been installed,” said McDaniel, pointing out that local farmers took action by dumping mounds of sand on both ends as a warning and a potential ‘softer’ emergency stop.

“It is the same story with the bridge. There is zero warning that the road ahead ends around a blind corner.”

McDaniel said about 2 000 cars pass through the area weekly, including ambulances.

A low-level bridge is being utilised in the meantime for passage, without which McDaniel said accessing the area would be greatly affected.

“Over time the road will most certainly collapse altogether and cut off all transport to local farms. We are not talking about just a loss of business, but complete isolation of families in the area,” he said.

McDaniel said they had lost revenue of about R500 000.

“Apart from losing a huge international power investment conference here owing to road safety concerns earlier this year, we had to retrench staff to ensure the future of the business in a time where we should be growing post-Covid.”

Road authorities had not responded to a request for comment, except to acknowledge receipt of communication.

Closer to Ballito, progress is being made with repairs of the M4 Tongaat River Bridge, anticipated to be fully reopened on December 19.

iLembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism CEO, Cobus Oelofse, said the bridge’s closure had a significant impact on the local economy, with estimations indicating losses in the region of R500-million.

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