OPINION: Budget increase to complete incomplete bridge

Tags

---

07-02-2025
Read : 24 times
South Coast Herald
Source

A service provider was appointed in June 2024 to design and oversee the construction of the GJ Crookes Hospital pedestrian bridge. Construction is expected to commence in March 2025.

For years, Umdoni residents have been confronted with an incomplete bridge on the R102 near GJ Crookes, leading to many justified complaints. After enquiring about the incomplete bridge, the following response was received from the KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements:

A service provider was appointed in June 2024 to design and oversee the construction of the GJ Crookes Hospital pedestrian bridge. Construction is expected to commence in March 2025. So far, R15 603 506.85 has been spent on the project, with an additional budget allocation of R1.964m for 2024/2025 and R14.794m for 2025/2026 to complete it.

When questioned about provisions for taxi lay-bys on both sides of the bridge and measures to ensure pedestrian safety, it was stated that the design is still under review and that these concerns will be considered. In other words, no concrete plans have been made yet.

This raises serious concerns about the Department of Transport’s spending and planning priorities. With a total projected cost exceeding R30m, one has to question whether this bridge is truly necessary. A more cost-effective solution, such as a pedestrian crossing with traffic calming measures and lay-bys, could have been implemented at a fraction of the cost and been completed years ago.

If money is no object, as it would seem, why are our provincial roads in such a dire state? Why are potholes left unrepaired and stormwater drains neglected? Why does overgrowth encroach well into the road? It certainly can’t be due to a lack of funds. Or could it just be that the ANC has once again demonstrated its incompetence?

I urge residents to keep this in mind when we return to the polls. I am astounded by the millions being spent on this project. The mandate of government should be to put citizens first and ensure that public funds are spent wisely rather than wasted, and that’s exactly what the DA believes in and fights for.