DA questions the sub-standard steel bridge that was delivered to the community of Lebohang
The DA in Govan Mbeki is taken aback at the sub-standard bridge that the municipality delivered to the residents of Lebohang in Ward 6.
Earlier today, the municipality announced that they had built a new footbridge for the residents of this area. According to the municipality, this bridge is supposed to help schoolchildren and other pedestrians cross a river in this community.
With the recent downpours, the residents of Lebohang have been unable to move around as the river has filled. Therefore, a stable bridge that would alleviate these challenges is crucial.
“It is concerning to note that the steel bridge that was built for this community is not up to standard. We note with concern that there is no foundation to support this bridge, and the bridge is unhinged on both ends,” said Nathiswa Ndwanyaza – DA Councilor Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, “On the river’s banks, there is heavy soil erosion which will likely lead to a collapse of the bridge during times of heavy rain. Overall, this is a huge safety risk for the community of Lebohang.”
“The workmanship on this project is of poor quality. It is quite evident that the municipality did not receive value for the money on this project. This shows that the municipality, particularly the ANC-led administration is negligent.”
“We have submitted questions to the Municipal Manager, Elliot Maseko, asking him to detail the risk assessment undertaken when this bridge was erected and the money spent on this project,” said Ndwanyaza, “The DA will continue fighting the ANC’s maladministration, Govan Mbeki is financially unstable because of such projects. We will ensure that the municipality takes accountability and delivers a well-decent bridge to the community of Lebohang.”
The Municipality meanwhile, responded to the negative criticism it received on its initial post claiming that “Residents of Lebohang, Ward 6, under Cllr Oupa Sibanyoni, praised the Govan Mbeki Municipality for building a new footbridge.”
But first some comments from the original posting on GMM’s Facebook page:
- A bridge without any supportive structure, if there are heavy rains again the soil on the sides will get eroded then that bridge will collapse, or Nyawupe boys will just carry it to the scrap yard within a few weeks
- I start to wonder if screening of project review is done in our municipal departments. Tell me why you would just place this steel bridge onto the mud without proper mounting, including but not limited to civil work.
- You guys are not even ashamed of posting on how you chowed money….am sure it cost 10m to place that waywalk
- That surface is unsafe in heavy rain bridge will collapse
- Good work but I’m worried about the size of the bridge it’s too close to the riverbank. At least if it is a few meters away from the river on both sides
- Our municipality doesn’t have skilled problem solvers. Their approach to problem-solving is always premised on a TEMPORARY basis!!!!
GMM’s response:
The Govan Mbeki Municipality is taking note of all the comments from the public regarding the material used in the construction of the footbridge.
The municipality hereby informs the public that the structure of the bridge is not permanent and is currently sourcing materials to construct a permanent strong and elevated bridge.
The crossing was a temporary measure for children to cross as the pipes that were installed were flooded and taken away by water.
The municipality is going to install 1050 mm pipes as soon as the water subsides to the level where it is easy to work.
The work is expected to start as early as Monday, pending the amount of rain we can get during the weekend.
The municipality values all the inputs, comments, and suggestions made and is committed to making things better for the community it serves.
“The response by GMM appears to be an attempt to contain the bad publicity that the bridge received. Although the bridge is needed no real thought was put into it and it is a dangerous hazard if the rains continue as it did the past few days.” said Ndwanyaza
