Community picking up the pieces after floods
According to Kader Goolam, chairman of the Shallcross Mosque and spokesman for the Pompane Bridge River Project team, the municipality said it will take three to six weeks before work to clear the bridge could begin. Only once the bridge is cleared of debris, can work begin on constructing a temporary one.
TO speed up the process, community members have taken on the humongous task of clearing debris off the Pompane River bridge to get a temporary one erected.
“We were not satisfied with how long it is going to take, so we decided to tackle the clean-up ourselves, so that we can speed up the process,” said Goolam.
Work started on Saturday, April 30. First, massive tree trunks and root systems needed to be removed from the top of the bridge. To do this they had a flatbed tow truck pulling the trees off the bridge. They also had a privately donated TLB in operation, as well as plenty of chainsaws and bush knives to cut the trees into more manageable sizes.
“The total amount work that needs to be done is huge. Once the bridge is cleared of all debris, rocks and sand from the riverbed will be used to backfill the gaps on either side.”
An estimated 500 metric tons of backfill is needed for each side. Then engineered-specific material will be utilised to make the temporary bridge.
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As it is a major linking route and the only access to Billlington and Umhlathuzana, it is imperative a temporary bridge is built as soon as possible.
“A temporary bridge will help alleviate the heavy traffic flow the area is experiencing. Plus, it will help emergency services get to those areas they currently cannot.”
Some motorists are having to deal with a two-hour delay to get to work and back. There are stories of workers forced to leave home as early as 4.30am to make it to work on time and they only get home after 9.30pm. Employers are understandably getting frustrated by the situation.
The temporary bridge, which will cost between R50 000 and R100 000 to construct, will allow passage for vehicles and pedestrians but no heavy vehicles. It is hoped all the debris will be cleared this week for the roads department to start work on the temporary bridge.
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Plans have been submitted to build a new, higher bridge and the community is keen to see this happen.
“We consulted with the roads department and engineers before work began. Private sponsors have donated money, food and cool drinks to the workers that we are paying. The buy-in from everyone has been fantastic and heart-warming. All cash donations are being handled by one designated person for transparency. This is a case of we need to help ourselves. Because of the urgency of the matter, we cannot wait for the municipality to act,” said Goolam.
To donate, contact Kader on 073-029-6060, Vernon Kisten on 083 667 7555 or Marcus Richards on 084 595 9111.
