Good news as repairs for Coedmore Bridge on the cards

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15-12-2022
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Southlands Sun
Source

Earlier this year, Hegter said eThekwini Municipality was liaising with the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), for assistance.

EIGHT months after the devastating floods caused irreparable damage to the Coedmore Bridge in Montclair, there is good news for residents and motorists as the bridge has been earmarked as one of the projects proposed for funding.

While community leaders continue to engage in talks on how they can speed up repairs to the bridge by securing funds and volunteers, residents are still grinning and bearing the 40+ minute-long drive after detouring from the damaged bridge area.

Ward 64 councillor, Gavin Hegter, said that the delay was largely due to money not being allocated by the provincial and national governments. With an estimated cost of building a new bridge being about R26 million, the municipality has approached the provincial government, which reached out to the national level for assistance.

“We are still investigating various options for funding. Some funding was obtained from the provincial government for repairs to infrastructure that was damaged during the floods. Unfortunately, it is not anywhere near enough for what is required in the city. The good news is that our bridge is one of the projects being proposed for funding from the allocated money and we are grateful that the bridge will be repaired,” Hegter said.

Earlier this year, Hegter said eThekwini Municipality was liaising with the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), for assistance.

“SANRAL has plans to upgrade the N2, therefore the municipality approached SANRAL to assist with a part of the construction as a part of their community improvement projects. We are hoping that relevant departments come on board to repair the bridge,” Hegter added.

Aware of the plight of motorists due to the delays in the bridge being replaced, Hegter said he shares the frustration of residents as the bridge was used by motorists from various areas, and not just those living in ward 64.