Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
18 March 2025 | 05:34 CAT

The Umzimkhulu River Bridge. Picture: X/KZNTransport.

Urgent repairs to the iconic Umzimkhulu River Bridge are finally underway, but the necessary six-month closure is raising serious concerns for motorists and businesses in the region. The R190 million rehabilitation project follows severe damage caused by persistent rainfall and flooding over the past year.

While the repairs are deemed essential for public safety, the issue of toll fees on alternative routes is a major sticking point. Umzimkhulu Transport Spokesperson Ndabazinhle Sibiya has confirmed that the province is pushing for toll-free exemptions, stating, “Our main focus is to ensure that motorists are exempted from paying toll fees. The economy has been hit hard by COVID-19 and recent floods, and we cannot afford to overburden the public.”

Stakeholder engagement has been at the forefront of the discussion, with the provincial government submitting a formal request to the Minister of Transport, urging the reconsideration of toll fees. According to Sibiya, the President himself acknowledged the province’s infrastructure challenges last year and expressed support for the initiative.

The P464 route, identified as the primary alternative during the bridge closure, has drawn criticism due to its limited capacity to handle heavy traffic volumes. While authorities are working on safety improvements such as road markings and general maintenance, concerns remain. “This is the only route we have at the moment, and we are doing everything we can to make it safer,” Sibiya assured.

Despite disruptions, local communities are set to benefit from job opportunities linked to the rehabilitation project. Sibiya revealed that “7.6 million has been set aside for emerging contractors, and 121 community members will be employed over an extended period.”

Looking ahead, officials have promised that the newly refurbished bridge will have a lifespan of at least 25 years, utilizing cutting-edge technology to withstand future climate challenges. As Sibiya emphasized, “This is a temporary inconvenience, but it will bring long-term solutions for all road users.”

Motorists and businesses alike now await the Minister’s response on the toll-free exemption—an outcome that could significantly ease the burden of this necessary but disruptive infrastructure upgrade.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Annsia Essack and Umzimkhulu Transport Spokesperson Ndabazinhle Sibiya here.