Last year, Executive Mayor of the City of Joburg, Herman Mashaba and MMC for transport, Nonhlanhla Helen Makhuba, together with the community of Diepsloot did the sod turning for a pedestrian bridge in Extension 2 and Extension 5 in Ward A, Diepsloot West.
Makhuba said this was part of the City’s commitment to provide a safe passageway for residents and safeguard the community during any pending flood conditions. Construction of the pedestrian bridge was estimated to cost R16 to R17 million and is expected to be completed in July.
However, due to delays in obtaining a Water Use Licence from the Department of Water and Sanitation, the construction of the bridge was put on hold to allow for administrative processes to be concluded.
“The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) was previously not required to be in possession of this license to work on bridges, however, this is a new requirement by the department, and the agency has completed the application process in order to comply with the requirements,” said Makhuba.
The roads agency will only be able to work on bridges across the City after acquiring the Water Use Licence.
“We are committed to the construction of the pedestrian bridge and want to assure the community of Diepsloot that construction work will resume as soon as the licence is granted,” Makhuba said.
Makhuba encouraged residents to be safe at all times when crossing bodies of water and to educate children on water safety.
