Lonehill Bridge reopens after 18-month rebuilding process

The Lonehill bridge, an important pedestrian walkway linking the community to the Lonehill Shopping Centre and a stunning Lonehill park, suffered a catastrophic collapse under the force of a heavy storm about two years ago.

This disaster not only severed a crucial connection for residents but also threatened the delicate ecosystem of the dam, which was struggling to retain water and support its inhabitants, including ducks and fish.

Read more: Firzt Realty and LRA collaborate on key Projects in Lonehill

On August 31, the Lonehill Residents Association (LRA), in partnership with Firzt Realty, a leading real estate company and headline sponsor, proudly hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the grand reopening of the newly rebuilt bridge.

Shelly Miller, from the LRA, admits that it was a lengthy process to rehabilitate and rebuild the bridge before she expressed her gratitude for the support received. She said the rebuilding process took about 18 months with only ten days for the rails to be put up.

Also read: Lonehill Dam leak to be repaired

Miller said they are thrilled to have finally completed the renovation, which includes the installation of safety railings, made possible by the generous sponsorship of Firzt

“We had so many problems with the dam. When the storm came last year, with the big rains, it washed the bridge away. The bridge was completely washed away and this is our walkway to the shopping centre, so we had to rebuilt the bridge.”

Miller explained that the dam’s retaining wall washed away at the same time the bridge did, so the City of Johannesburg built a temporary bridge on the new retaining wall, but that it was to dangerous for people to use, since it had no railings, and people could fall off into the dam. This was were Firzt Realty came in. They sponsored the railings to make the bridge safe again.

Stephen Whitcombe, managing director of Firzt Realty, expressed his company’s deep-seated commitment to philanthropy. He said, “giving back to the community has always been at the very core of our values and aspirations as a company.

“It is an integral part of our DNA, driving us to make a positive impact and foster meaningful connections with the people and places we serve. We proactively reached out to the LRA to explore opportunities for involvement in community-driven initiatives. The LRA identified several projects, including the bridge renovation, where we could make a meaningful impact.

“The bridge, which serves as a vital gateway connecting the shopping centre to the picturesque Lonehill parks and beyond, was an ideal project for us to contribute to. We are proud to be collaborating with the LRA on this and other initiatives that benefit the Lonehill community.”

Follow us on our Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok pages. Join our WhatsApp group for any story ideas you may have.

Read more: Charity fun for Lonehill residents