Construction of bridge enclosure set to start

WHEN construction of the Blackburn pedestrian bridge started in 2009, there was much hope the iconic walkway would give the Blackburn community easier access to uMhlanga, instead of crossing the busy N2 highway. Five years later, however, the 177 meter long bridge is now synonymous with crime and a series of rock-throwing incidents, one of which caused a death.

In August last year, the South African National Roads Agency Ltd (Sanral), said it would be enclosing the bridge in steel mesh. Northglen News was contacted by several local residents who have questioned why there has been a delay in enclosing the pedestrian bridge.

A Sanral official said there had been no delay in the procurement process, and the preferred tender for the project was only accepted this year on 1 November 2013.

“Work to enclose the bridge is expected to start this month and is expected to take until March 2014 to complete,” the agency said.

DA ward councillor, Dean Macpherson, last week called for eThekwini Municipality to take responsibility for the bridge.

“I will be taking this issue up for further clarity. The rock-throwing incidents have highlighted a serious need for action. I believe the municipality should be pushing Sanral to complete the enclosing of the bridge as soon as possible.”

Macpherson’s stepmom, Debbie, was the target of a rock-throwing incident at the beginning of the month. Luckily she escaped serious injury.

Metro spokesman, Eugene Msomi, and SAPS provincial spokesman, Capt Thulani Zwane, said both the SAPS and Metro were concentrating on the area and were doing their best to combat both the rock-throwing and brutal robberies.

“This is not a matter we are taking lightly. We have regular patrols concentrating on the area and are working closely with Metro Police to catch these criminals,” Zwane said.

No arrests have been made as yet and Zwane urged drivers to be vigilant when driving under these bridges, especially at night when most of the incidents occur.

Police believe the rock throwers are from the Chopperstown Informal Settlement.

List of incidents Northglen News has reported on (selected)

• January (2013): In January of this year a South African family, who were visting from the USA, were brutally attacked and stabbed near the Blackburn Bridge. The father had stopped his vehicle on the southbound lane to fasten their roof luggage which had come loose and were attacked by seven armed men who emerged from a bush alongside the freeway. The suspects demanded the family’s cash and valuables. The father, son and daughter were stabbed. The father was stabbed through his hand while his son sustained two stab wounds to the chest. He suffered a punctured lung.

• September (2013): A Pinetown woman was assaulted and robbed at knifepoint. She was slapped and robbed of her handbag and watch. The suspects were later apprehended.

• November (2013): Mt Edgecombe resident Debbie Macpherson, escaped serious injury when she saw objects being flung towards her car. The objects smashed into her windscreen.

• November (2012): A husband and wife were brutally attacked and robbed of their belongings near the Blackburn Bridge. The man was stabbed 16 times and sustained injuries mainly to his body and head. Earlier in the month a truck driver was also stabbed and robbed of his belongings.