Mayor of Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Zodwa Mzindle stood firm in a stakeholders’ meeting at the municipal council chambers earlier this morning, and demanded answers from Department of Transport (DoT) officials on progress on the Mzimkhulu River bridge and the R102, between Port Shepstone and Umzumbe.

The meeting had to be rescheduled as DoT representative, Mcebo Ngcobo, said that he had no answers on progress nor the completion dates of the projects.

Frustration rose in the meeting after Ngcobo said he could only answer technical questions.

Mzindle also raised that at every stakeholders’ meeting, assurances were provided on completion dates, and that by now, things should have fallen into place.

“This meeting is a waste of our time because we are not getting answers to our questions, and people and businesses are suffering.”

It was revealed at the meeting that work on the bridge has been suspended due to non-payment.

It was also revealed that the R102 project is 16 weeks behind schedule, and that there are no concrete dates as to its completion.

Nazir Shaik, chairperson of the North Cluster Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association, said suspension of work on the bridge is a slap in the face and unacceptable.

“We want more from you, we want answers, what is left to be done on the bridge and when is it going to be completed?”

Ngcobo said he could not answer, and the meeting has been adjourned for next week.

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