Mandela Bridge has a twin
ALEXANDRA – The bridge over the M1 freeway has been under construction for three years and connects Alexandra, Wynberg, Sandown and Sandton.
Joburg’s equally iconic and state-of-the-art twin to the Nelson Mandela Bridge in Newtown, is now open for pedestrians and cyclists between poverty-stricken Alex and the richest square mile on the continent, Sandton.
The bridge over the M1 freeway has been under construction for three years and connects Alexandra, Wynberg, Sandown and Sandton.
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City of Joburg MMC for Transport Nonhlanhla Makhuba released a statement pending the bridge’s official launch later in the year.
“It’s a historic and iconic milestone for the city which not only brings safety and dignity to the residents of these areas but symbolises our commitment to build bridges and connect communities,” the statement read. It added that the building of the structure was the City’s response after realising that more than 10 000 people risked their lives walking across the Grayston off ramps each day.
The project cost R147 million and was funded by national government’s Public Transport Network. It was built by the Joburg Development Agency as part of the rollout of the Rea Vaya transport project which is to ensure high quality, safe, affordable and reliable public transport.
Often with big construction projects, the bridge wasn’t spared tragedy when a scaffolding collapsed on 14 October 2015 killing Jason Perumal and Siyabonga Myeni and injuring 18 workers. “The Department of Labour is still investigating the incident with the City committing to ensure those responsible are held accountable,” continued the statement.
Also, on 30 November of last year, an employee of the construction company Concor Civils, Enoch Maphunye, died when hey fell from a platform while working on a pylon. The department investigated the incident and found no negligence on the part of the company.
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The City proposes naming the bridge, Kopanang Bridge, which means ‘where people meet’ as it represents the coming together of communities. “This attests to the City’s commitments to invest in high-quality infrastructure to improve lives, safety and movement of poor residents together with creating sustainable jobs and income opportunities for them,” concluded the statement.
Details: City Service Promotions Department of Transport 011 870 4612.
