After abandoning work due to cashflow issues, workers are back on Gertrude bridge in Fontainebleau, and the erosion project work continues.

Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) implemented the erosion projection project to prevent the erosion damage on the properties that are located on the riverbank.

Read more: Fontainebleau residents dread the worst as contractor abandons Gertrude Bridge project again

The project was supposed to be completed in August, however, due to disruptions, an extension was granted until the end of October. The cash flow issues caused further delays, but JRA head of infrastructure development Kwazelela Mcetywa has confirmed that the matter has been resolved, and that all expanded public works programme matters and workers have been paid. “The contractor had a cashflow problem, which affected and delayed the project. Currently, the contractor is on penalties. We expect the contractor to complete construction work by the end of November 2025.”

Also read: Work continues on Gertrude Bridge despite payment issues

Mcetywa further stated that JRA does not owe the contractor, as they have a 30 day turnaround to pay them. “JRA will apply penalties and termination of the contract if the contractor fails to complete the project. Currently JRA has spent R6m on the project.”

The homeowners along the bridge are perplexed and concerned at the project is still being incomplete, especially given the recent heavy rains. The temporary bridge, erected inside the river, still exists and is blocking water flow inside the river.

One of the residents, Priscilla Cillie, said that they fear they might be flooded once again, especially since the bridge in the river is blocking the flow of water. “We are hoping that JRA will employ a proper contractor who can do the job they set out to do in the first place, before we all suffer from the floods again.”

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