Motorists travelling to and from Port Shepstone have been left extremely frustrated after the temporary closure of the Mzimkhulu River Bridge on the R102 between Umtentweni and Port Shepstone caused significant traffic delays.

Drivers navigating the busy route found themselves stuck in long queues, with many unaware that the bridge had been closed less than 24 hours earlier. Several motorists were forced to make U-turns after reaching the closure point, adding to the congestion and confusion.

Those who opted to divert via Batstone’s Drift bridge reported further frustration, claiming no law enforcement officers were present to assist with the flow of traffic. Highway travelers who chose to use the N2 were also affected, encountering increased toll tariffs that came into effect on Saturday, March 1.

An accident was reported on the closed bridge when an Ugu bus attempting to make a U-turn allegedly collided with a road workers’ bakkie. Details surrounding the incident have not yet been confirmed.

Payment delays behind sudden closure

In a statement released by the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, Mayor Zodwa Mzindle said she will engage with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, to urgently establish the cause of the disruption and measures being taken to resolve the impasse.

It has been confirmed that the traffic management service provider on site has not received payment from the main contractor, who is in turn awaiting payment from the department.

This delay is due to outstanding transfers from the Provincial Treasury to the department.

Contractor suspends work on safety grounds

As a result of the payment delays, the main contractor suspended work, and the traffic management company closed the bridge on safety grounds.

The department has confirmed that five payments to the main contractor are currently being processed and are expected to reflect in the contractor’s bank account shortly.

High-level meeting scheduled

A high-level Project Management Team meeting has been scheduled for today (Monday, March 2), convened by the Chief Director of the eThekwini Region, under which the project falls.

The MEC has instructed that the matter be fast-tracked, with urgent engagement with the contractor to resolve the impasse.

The MEC and the mayor have apologised for the inconvenience caused to commuters, businesses and residents. A further update will be issued immediately after the Project Management Team meeting.

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