The South African National Roads Agency Limited SOC (SANRAL) has allocated more than R88 million towards the construction of bridges swept away during the recent Coffee Bay floods, in the King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality.
Three main bridges, Mapuzi 1 and 2, as well as a concrete slab bridge, were swept away by the torrent of water.
Meanwhile, SANRAL has also commenced the long-awaited project of fixing potholes on the 75-kilometre R411, between Viedgesville and Coffee Bay.
KSD Local Municipality executive mayor, Nyaniso Nelani, recently visited the Tshezi Great Place in Coffee Bay to convey good news of the bridge repairs and pothole rehabilitation from Viedgesville to Coffee Bay.
“The three bridges include Maphuzi 1 and 2 bridges and the one with the slab road leading to it, connecting Coffee Bay town. SANRAL has set aside more than R88 million (R88 770 742.50) for this project.
“This is an 11-month project starting as soon the main contractor has been notified of its appointment,” said KSD municipal spokesperson, Sonwabo Mampoza.
“Part of the work to be done on the three bridges includes the removal of the debris near Maphuzi 1 and 2, and then the hard work of rebuilding the main bridge connecting Coffee Bay town. Immediately after the main contractor has been notified of its appointment, SANRAL, together with KSD municipality, will descend to KwaTshezi Great Place again to introduce the contractor to the community,” Mampoza added.
The municipality further said that SMMEs are set to receive 40 percent of the project funding, while the main contractor will receive 60 percent with many job opportunities also on the cards.
“Coffee Bay has 27 bridges damaged by the torrential rains, and most of them are to be fixed by the municipality while others belong to the Department of Transport. Right now, the municipality is busy sourcing funds for the fixing of bridges that it is responsible for,” concluded Nelani.
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