R220m bridge to link Umzumbe and Umuziwabantu

Traditional councils are pleased with the construction of the R220m Gumatane Mzimkhulu River bridge in the Nguza area, which will link the Sidalea area under Umzumbe and Umuziwabantu Local Municipalities.

The KZN Department of Transport MEC, Siboniso Duma, said the construction of the bridge is expected to be completed by February 2025.

He said the plan is to hand it over to the communities in March 2025.

Inkosi Mthobeli Dlamini of the Fodo Traditional Council in Umuziwabantu welcomed the development as it will link two traditional councils.

“This shows that the government looks after its people and ensures that people see valuable infrastructure in their respective areas. The bridge is evidence of beautiful work of a high calibre. We welcome it, we love it, and we are grateful to the department and the government for this,” he said.

The bridge construction was also welcomed by Inkosi Bathebuya Cele of the Cele Traditional Council in Umzumbe Municipality.

Inkosi Cele said the bridge will provide much-needed relief to people from both municipalities.

“We have been looking forward to this project, and we are excited to see that it is nearing completion,” he said.

Meanwhile, Duma said seeing Amakhosi excited and welcoming the construction of the bridge was a win for them.

“This development has created a lot of opportunities for local communities. They will now have access to socio-economic opportunities as a result of excellent road infrastructure. So far, it has cost the department R220m. There were some problems with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), but currently, there is a process to rectify those issues,” he said.

He added: “When it comes to work opportunities for local companies, R50.8m was allocated to female-owned businesses, R6.2m to military veterans, and R3.3m for other companies,” he said.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like the South Coast Fever’s Facebook page