Pretoria – Residents of Tembisa and their neighbours in Ivory Park can now breathe a sigh of relieve as the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality starts rebuilding the eroded Matabane bridge between Robert and Nare Streets in Tembisa.
The bridge collapsed over a year ago and made it dangerous for people to cross from one area to the other.
“Due to budgetary constraints, the bridge could not be fixed immediately. However, contractors have since moved on site and they are on track to complete the project by the end of May should there be no weather related delays,” said Ekurhuleni spokesperson Sam Modiba.
“We appointed the contractor with effect from February to not only restore the bridge but to reinforce it. Tembisa, with its close proximity to the city’s major asset, the OR Tambo International Airport, is very strategic in our aerotropolis plans.”
The reinstatement of the bridge, to the tune of R1 million, includes earthworks, Gabions Walls and Mattresses, layer works and upgrading of the storm water drainage system, which will minimise frequent flooding in the area.
The sight of workers rebuilding the bridge has been welcomed by the Endayeni residents who fell victim to the flooding caused by the eroded bridge.
“It has come as a great relief that we see action being taken about the bridge. It has been causing a lot of damage during heavy rainy seasons and we are happy it is finally being resolved,” said Thabiso Mkhodwane, one of the residents. – SAnews.gov.za
