The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has ensured South Coast residents that the target date for the re-opening of the Mzimkhulu River bridge is December 2.

MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, said that the contractors have returned to site and rehabilitation is progressing well.

The department is satisfied with the work currently under way and wish to report the following:

● The contractor is busy closing off the river mouth and diverting the water to pillar 9.

● On top of the bridge, work continues with parapets on the river side.

With December 2, being the target date for the re-opening of the bridge, the department has introduced the following decisive measures:

● Accelerated payment resolution – implementing an expedited internal payment process, working with KZN Provincial Treasury to ensure contractors receive funds without undue delay.
● Performance-driven contractor management – further intensifying contract performance reviews, with corrective measures and support interventions where necessary to improve productivity.
● Onsite oversight intensification – deploying additional project management staff to monitor day-to-day progress and resolve technical challenges in real time.
● Stakeholder and community engagement – increasing transparency by providing regular progress updates to communities, local leadership, and industry stakeholders to ensure shared ownership of the project’s success.

“Critically, our priority is to ensure that Ray Nkonyeni Municipality becomes a destination for international and national tourists this coming festive season. In this regard, Mzimkhulu River bridge and its surrounding road networks are critical for residents, businesses and visitors in the southern coastal region. Once complete, the project will significantly improve travel times, road safety and access to economic opportunities,” said Duma.

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