The Democratic Alliance is concerned and frustrated by the unacceptable delays in repairing the dangerous bridge in the Thongasi area of Ward 1 in the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality.
On February 26, 2026, DA councillor Stephanie Breedt accompanied officials from the Department of Transport (DoT) to inspect the bridge.
During that inspection, the area manager acknowledged that the bridge posed a danger to residents due to its broken and missing guard rails. Despite this acknowledgement, the department failed to act with the urgency the situation demanded.
Tragically, on the weekend of March 14, a young woman lost her life after falling from the bridge.
This devastating incident should have served as the catalyst for immediate intervention. Instead, the community has been left waiting while government bureaucracy and poor project management continue to put lives at risk.
Following sustained pressure, a contract to repair the bridge railings was finally awarded, and workers employed by the appointed contractor signed on May 21. Yet, as we approach the end of July, there has been little meaningful progress.
Instead of answers, residents have been subjected to conflicting explanations from both the department and the contractor. Meanwhile, the bridge is arguably in a worse condition than before. The railings have been completely removed, sections of the paving have been left unfinished, and the crossing remains an everyday hazard for pedestrians, schoolchildren, elderly residents and motorists.
This is not simply a maintenance issue; it is a failure of governance.
Public infrastructure exists to protect communities, not expose them to unnecessary danger. When government identifies a life-threatening hazard, acknowledges the risk, appoints a contractor and still fails to complete the work months later, accountability must follow. Delays on critical safety infrastructure place lives at risk and erode public confidence in government. South African courts have consistently recognised that public authorities have a duty to take reasonable steps to protect the public from foreseeable harm where dangerous infrastructure is concerned.
The Democratic Alliance therefore calls on the DoT to:
1. Provide the community with a written explanation for the delays and contradictory information surrounding this project.
2. Publish a clear construction programme with firm completion dates.
3. Ensure the contractor has the necessary resources and supervision to complete the work without further delay.
4. Install temporary safety barriers, warning signage and appropriate traffic control measures immediately until the permanent railings are completed.
5. Conduct an independent inspection of the bridge to determine whether any additional structural repairs are required beyond the railings.
6. Hold the contractor accountable if contractual obligations and deadlines have not been met.
The department cannot continue hiding behind excuses while residents risk their lives every time they cross this bridge. Communities should not have to wait for another tragedy before government fulfils its most basic responsibility.
The people of Thongasi were promised safe infrastructure. They deserve action, not excuses, delays and empty assurances.
The DA will continue to monitor this matter closely and will not stop demanding accountability until the bridge is made safe.
STEPHANIE BREEDT
Ward 1 councillor
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