Umzimkhulu River Bridge to close for emergency repairs and rehabilitation

Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House: We wish to announce that the UMzimkhulu River Bridge will close officially at 15h00 today.

This marks the beginning of the emergency repairs and rehabilitation of this bridge, which was built in 1958 using the old caisson construction system.

The repairs of the bridge will reinstate its durability for around 25 years or more.

Prolonged rainfall and floods undermined the piers of the bridge. The flow of water caused the bridge piers to rotate, making the bridge unstable and dangerous to the motorists.

This necessitated the closure to ensure the safety of the public.

We postponed the closure as we wanted to engage with key stakeholders.

I wish to pay tribute to the Institution of Traditional Leadership and Khoisan, leaders of political parties National Congress and Democratic Alliance, Ray Nkonyeni Business Association, Green Net, local ratepayers associations, South African National Taxi Council in Ugu District, and many others too many to mention.

Yesterday we had a successful meeting, which was characterized by frank and robust discussions. Our engagements were steeped in mutual respect.

We all agreed to act in the interest of the people of Ugu District Municipality and the province as a whole.

We all acknowledge that the closure will affect all residents and the poor. It is for these reasons that we agreed to hold hands and pull behind a common goal of Inspiring Hope for a Better Future.

Finally, we wish to announce the following:

1. P464 will be used as an alternative route for now as we await National Minister Babra Creecy’s approval to waive toll fees at the Oribi Toll Gates Ramps North and South.
2. If the toll waiver for the N2 is granted, there will be concurrent repair of P464 alongside the bridge, ensuring a safer and more efficient travel route for all users.
3. R190 million has been allocated for this project which will take 6 months.
4. About 121 local community members will be employed and will work 528 days with combined salaries of around R11,7 million.
5. By 28th March 2025, a public liaison committee shall be appointed through the municipality and the Department of Transport with nominated members representing various community organizations.
6. The recruitment and selection of the Community Liaison Committee shall take place from 11 April 2025
7. The commencement of work on-site shall begin on 11 May 2025 after the approval of the work permit.
8. The estimated value of contracts to be allocated to emerging contractors is approximately R 7 632 000 (R7, 6 million)
9. South African Police Service, who were present in the meeting, will act firmly against aby rogue elements or construction mafias attempting to extort money or to stop the repairs.