The 88.6 metre bridge from Xhora Mouth to Ndalatha Concrete Bridge is a multi-million rand construction project that will create 30 job opportunities in the Mbhashe Local Municipality before the end of the month.
The project, to the tune of R16.6-million, was announced by Executive Mayor Samnkelo Janda in Elliotdale.
Addressing the community during the introduction of the contractor, Janda said the municipality was responding to the community’s request during the IDP roadshows, where they requested for the bridge to be rebuilt. He said the money in the municipality’s coffers did not allow all projects be done at once. The project would start two weeks from May 14.
Janda said that global warming was a problem, including the heavy downpours that swept the bridge in 2021.
“I am suggesting that you come up with a name for this bridge, so that when we hand it over to you we also announce its new name. It is important that the generations to come know the history of this place.
“One of our promises was that you participate in governance. We want you to be part of the planning processes to change your lives for the better. When government works, communities must be involved. To that end, a committee will be selected today to liaise on behalf of the community with the contractor,” he said.
Janda said community members need to communicate with the community liaison officer, who works with the project steering committee chairperson, when seeking information about the project. He said that while there will be challenges, ways to solve them are important.
“When we face challenges, we should not try to stall the projects, but find productive solutions. If we cause problems that delay the project, the fault will not be with the contractor but with us,” said Janda.
He added that there was another bridge project done by the SA National Defence Force near Mgojweni village, another in Mahobe village, and Gatyana in Mqothwana, among many other villages.
Janda said this was part of a programme announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2022 called Welisizwe, meant to help people cross rivers.
“We are changing ways of constructing bridges by using concrete. We committed ourselves to listen as government, and change when we see things don’t work out,” he said.
