Second Avenue – not a priority

A bridge that collapsed caused a major accident and claimed a life in 2016.

A year later the sore sight of Second Avenue Bridge brings back a lot of anger and heartache.

Residents from WARD 20 had high hopes as the news broke in November 2016 when municipality manager Mr. Theo van Vuuren said that,

“after investigating alternatives, the technical directorate has finalised plans to address the link road network gap left by the washing away of the bridge earlier this year. It was trying to secure funding to upgrade the bridge to a higher standard but overall municipal funding priorities could not allow such an approach. However, plans to reconstruct the bridge to the same standard have been finalised. A turnkey approach is being followed and if all goes well the bridge will be opened before the end of December.”

Just to see December come and pass without any progression, although Mr. Theo van Vuuren, previously told WITBANK NEWS that the bridge would be completed by December. Van Vuuren stated a month later,

“The technical solution and specifications have been completed. The process of appointing the building contractor has been accepted and has come into force. Although the intention is to start the construction as soon as possible, holiday time can delay the builders and construction will only begin again in January 2017. “

Empty promises and false answers were all the residents received.

WITBANK NEWS tried to get in contact with Mr Van Vuuren on August 15, asking him to give the residents some relevant and honest answers, as Mr. van Vuuren said that he had signed a letter to assign contractors.

“We do not want to step on any feet as the WARD 20 Councillor Committee is getting hidings from all the residents in Blanchville,” Roy Cronje from the ward said.

Complaints go on from nearby businesses losing clients because of the state of the area. Power cables are stolen that make the whole area run on the ring feed, which is actually an alternative source. School children have to walk through alternative roads that consist of bush walkways in the field and not even starting with the safety hazards that this dangerous and disastrous zone hold. Even water pipes getting stolen time and again leave the residents without water.

“Residents would appreciate your feedback on the when, how, who and so forth regarding this issue. As this information can be found in your assigned contactors scope of work,” an email to van Vuuren concluded.

ALSO READ

https://www.citizen.co.za/witbank-news/63368/blessing-claims-life/

https://www.citizen.co.za/witbank-news/81510/second-chance-for-second-avenue-bridge/