MEYERTON – Scores of residents recently flocked to the Riverstone Mall to sign an urgent petition calling on the Gauteng provincial government to immediately intervene in the dilapidated state of the Jim Fouché Bridge.

According to DA councillors, more than 2 000 people have signed the petition, while it is still possible to sign it here.

The petition, drafted by councillor Gerrit Viljoen of ward 13, emphasises that the bridge across the Kliprivier is in a state of disrepair.

The severe erosion under the tarmac and dangerous ditches along the road make it, according to him, an accident waiting to happen. “It is no longer a question of ‘if’ something will happen, but ‘when’.”

DA councillors also shared a video on social media thanking the community for their support. “We want to say a big thank you to everyone who signed the petition, for our bridge to be fixed,” said councillor Phil Pretorius (ward 14). Erline Jordaan (ward 3) added: “Thank you, everyone. We appreciate you coming out and signing. I believe it will be fixed.” Gerrit Viljoen (ward 13) praised the community for their unity: “It’s awesome to see how our community has come together. Those of you who came from far away and those who came to sign locally – thank you very much.”

The petition will soon be handed over to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.