Businesses feel pinch with bridge closure

Commuters and motorists are not the only ones affected by the closure of the Mzimkhulu River bridge in Port Shepstone; it’s also taking a toll on businesses.

For the past month, residents, ratepayers, businesses, councillors and community activists have been engaging with the Department of Transport in KZN and nationally on the zero-rating of toll fees on the N2 at the Marburg on and offramps.

Caz van der Byl Meth, first vice-president of the South Coast Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the chamber submitted a formal request for weekly progress reports on the closure.

“Our request was subsequently referred by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to the relevant project manager. We reiterate our call for weekly updates to be provided directly to our chamber, as this matter affects our members, businesses, and livelihoods. The closure is having a profound negative impact on local economic activity, particularly for businesses that rely on passing trade,” said Van der Byl Meth.

She added that the alternative routes – Batstone’s Drift and Sugar Mill Road are unsafe, and the N2 is financially burdensome.

“The chamber has requested an urgent meeting with the project manager to establish a direct line of communication and discuss avenues for public participation going forward. We also stress that we are not prepared to engage via intermediaries or third parties. Transparent and responsive communication is essential. Our region is already under considerable economic strain due to ongoing union actions and inconsistent service delivery at local level; we expect a higher standard of administrative conduct from both provincial and national government departments,” added Van der Byl Meth.

Errol Langton, the chairperson of Hibberdene Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association, said local travel has been severely impacted, with residents facing higher fuel and toll costs.

“The longer detour routes have resulted in substantial delays, further exacerbating the financial burden on both businesses and individuals. The increased traffic on back roads, such as Batstone’s Drift and Sugar Mill Road, has caused additional delays and increased operational costs for businesses,” said Langton.

Hendrie Geringer, the owner of the Biltong and Internet shop who has been at Oribi Plaza for the past 16 years, said there’s been a significant decline in sales and foot traffic to the centre. “Fewer people are coming to shop here. Sales are down, and this affects every business.”

Heena Moodley of Surf Boyz said: “Customers that do come in complain that they have to pay high toll fees to get here. If the toll exemption is passed, it will result in more traffic and sales at most shops here. There are days that some businesses are making no sales.”

Roy Clack (62), a car guard, said he’s not making enough money to pay the daily ramp fees. “I have been car-guarding for 21 years, and the bridge closure has affected me. Not many people are coming here as they are using the toll road to get home. I hope this situation is resolved soon, as the fewer people who shop here, the more difficult it is for me to earn a living,” said Clack.

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