Optimism for beleaguered Mzimkhulu River bridge in Port Shepstone
Work on the bridge has been on hold for 23 days and counting.
Repairs to the Mzimkhulu River bridge will restart today (August 11), according to the chief director of the KZN Department of Transport (DoT), Muziwakhe Sithole.
He addressed a stakeholders’ meeting at Ray Nkonyeni Municipality council chambers last Tuesday morning, to provide an update about the department’s projects, with the main focus being the Mzimkhulu bridge. Sithole added that the department is experiencing cashflow challenges, but it did not mean the project will not be completed.
He explained that the 2024/25 cashflow is almost exhausted, however, an injection of R200m will help projects move forward.
“By Friday this week, we should have paid every service provider, and I believe that the contractor for the bridge will be paid, and work will resume on Monday.”
It was also revealed that the project is 23 days behind schedule and only 25% of the work has been carried out, and it’s still expected to be completed by October 25.
Sithole said that the contractor has submitted a catch-up plan which shows that work will be complete on the said date.
“This means that they will work day, night and weekends to cover the days missed. We do foresee delays, but for now it’s only 23 days delayed.”
Also, the department is applying for an extension to the toll concession to the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy. According to resident engineer, Vusi Khumalo, there is an issue with the foundation of the bridge.
“There is something wrong with the foundation which we have not yet established. However, there is also a large rock which is strong enough to allow us to add another layer to the foundation. Also, we have to make sure that pillar two does not deteriorate more than it has.”
Some of the stakeholders were not convinced that this project will be finished on time. They were also not impressed by the cashflow challenges implying that more money will be spent than budgeted for.
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