The long-delayed construction of the Emarasteni Bridge in Bhekuzulu is set to resume after AbaQulusi Municipality appointed a new contractor to complete the project.

Bridge has history of flooding

The bridge has a long history of flooding during rainy seasons, with previous incidents resulting in loss of life. In January last year, the bridge overflowed, causing severe damage to nearby houses.

The project was initially announced by AbaQulusi Mayor Sifiso Mkhwanazi during the municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) roadshows last year, with a budget of R7,926,755 allocated for the 2025/26 financial year.

Construction comes to a halt

A contractor was appointed and work eventually began at the bridge, raising hopes among Ward 11 residents and other community members who rely on the crossing daily, including schoolchildren and workers.

However, construction later came to a stop, leaving residents questioning when the much-needed project would be completed.

Previous contractor’s contract terminated

After several months with little work being done at the construction site, Mkhwanazi introduced a new contractor, Uhaqane MI Contractors, last week.

Mkhwanazi said the municipality terminated the previous contractor’s contract after several concerns were raised about the contractor’s performance and work ethic.

He said the municipality had given the contractor several opportunities to address the problems before deciding that the complaints could no longer be ignored.

Among the concerns was the alleged failure to pay workers on time.

Mkhwanazi also said the previous contractor had a poor working relationship with the appointed engineer, TPA Consulting.

According to Mkhwanazi, there were times when the contractor continued with work without the supervision of the engineer.

New contractor promises progress

The newly-appointed contractor, represented by Mr Ndlovu, reassured residents that work would resume this week, anticipating that the project will be in the final stages by the end of October.

The previous workers have also been reinstated in their jobs and will continue with the work they were doing when the project initially started.

Residents hope for completion

Residents have welcomed Haqane MI Consultants, with the hope that the project will now progress and provide much-needed relief to people who use the bridge.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.