Mzimkhulu River bridge completion pushed to October 25 due to dredging issues
MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma told contractors, engineers and consultants to prioritise the project.
The R190m Mzimkhulu River bridge repair project will miss its completion deadline by a month – it will now be ready for traffic by October 25.
The earlier deadline was September 30, however, three months into the project, concerns were raised about dredging (removal of sand and silt) from pillars one and two.
This resulted in an urgent visit by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, last Thursday.
He was also joined by the speaker of Ugu District Municipality, Sizwe Ngcobo and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, mayor Zodwa Mzindle who wanted first-hand information from the consultants as well.
Duma told contractors, engineers and consultants to prioritise the project.
“The bridge closure affects many residents and is a critical lifeline for South Coast communities, so I call on contractors to fast-track this project,” he said.
The KZN Department of Transport (DoT) appointed Yena Uyabusa Trading and Naidu Consultants for the rehabilitation of the bridge.
Mcebo Gumede, chief engineer for DoT added that due to the previous week’s inclement weather, they had difficulties with high tides and flow of water into the ocean.
“We are about a month delayed and we are looking to be ready by October 25,” said Gumede.
Resident engineer, Vusi Dlamini from Naidu Consultants said they are a little behind schedule.
He said according to their contract by October 25, they should have carried out enough repairs to allow traffic on the bridge.
Furthermore, as the N2 toll waiver only applies until September 30, Sanral was contacted for comment on whether an extension will be granted.
Lwando Mahlasela, media relations manager at Sanral said: “The MEC has to request the National Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy to waiver the fees. If there are changes to the implementation programme for the repairs to the bridge, the onus rests on the MEC to again request that the minister extends the waiver,” said Mahlasela.
Duma also visited road construction projects in KwaMadlala and the resurfacing of the R102 from the Mzimkhulu bridge to Hibberdene.
These projects undertaken in Ugu should see about 200 local labourers and emerging contractors employed.
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