A CONTROVERSY has erupted over the R48-million Coedmore Bridge project in Yellowwood Park, which now appears abandoned after construction workers reportedly left the site due to payment issues.
Also read: Coedmore Bridge on track – eThekwini mayor
The bridge, slated for completion in November, has been inactive for several weeks, leaving residents puzzled.
A source familiar with the situation mentioned that some workers downed tools after allegedly not being paid for tree-cutting services.
SUN team visits the site
The SUN visited the site on September 7 to investigate the complaints raised by the residents. The SUN gathered the following:
- There was no equipment or machinery, and metal tools lay scattered about.
- Reinforcing bars on four pillars erected two months ago have started to rust, with more bars strewn across the area.
- Residents report that the site has been deserted for more than three weeks.
“I used to visit the site regularly to check on the progress, but recently, I noticed there hasn’t been any work. This is strange, considering how busy the site used to be with machinery everywhere,” one resident said.
Also read: Coedmore Bridge rebuild expected in 2024
Leek Construction CC, the company contracted by eThekwini Municipality to complete the bridge, has ceased operations, raising concerns among locals.
Prior to this, there had already been complaints about the slow progress on the bridge. The absence of workers for weeks has fuelled fears that the contractor may have abandoned the project, leaving it incomplete.
Councillor allays fears
Ward 64 councillor Gavin Hegter recently addressed these concerns, dispelling the rumours about the project’s collapse.
“There have been a lot of speculation and unfounded rumours regarding the bridge construction. The facts are that there have been some unavoidable delays in securing the staging for the deck. I want to assure everyone that the contractor has not run away with the money. The finances for the R48-million rehabilitation project are still intact and available,” said Hegter.
His statement followed fears on social media that the contractor had abandoned the project, with some residents even suspecting financial mismanagement.
Hegter assured the community that the issue had been resolved, and construction would resume soon. While the delays will impact the completion date, he emphasised that efforts are being made to minimise the impact and complete the bridge as soon as possible.
The Coedmore Bridge was severely damaged during the devastating 2022 floods, forcing motorists to take alternative routes, adding up to 45 minutes to their commute. The bridge’s reconstruction is funded through the Municipal Disaster Response Grant from the National Treasury.
Hegter added, “I appreciate everyone’s concerns and thank you for your patience. We are committed to completing this project to ensure the new Coedmore Bridge serves the community well for years to come.”
Attempts to get a comment from Leek Construction CC were unsuccessful up until the time of going to press.
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