WATCH: 67-year-old uMzimkhulu River Bridge in KZN to be closed

The uMzimkhulu River Bridge in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) will be officially closed on Monday.

This marks the beginning of the emergency repairs and rehabilitation of the bridge, which was built in 1958 using the old caisson construction system.

The project is expected to cost R190 million and will take six months to complete.

Damages

KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said the bridge’s repairs will reinstate its durability for 25 years and more.

“Prolonged rainfall and floods undermined the piers of the bridge. The flow of water caused the bridge piers to rotate, making the bridge unstable and dangerous to the motorists,” said Duma.

Duma said this necessitated the closure of the bridge to ensure the safety of the public.

WATCH: Duma announcing the closure of uMzimkhulu River Bridge

The #uMzimkhuluRiverBridge in #KZN will be officially closed on Monday. This marks the beginning of the emergency repairs and rehabilitation of this bridge, which was built in 1958 using the old caisson construction system. @TheCitizen_News pic.twitter.com/oXjC5cNegi

— 𝙵𝚊𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚕 𝙿𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕 ⚡️ (@FaizelPatel143) March 17, 2025

ALSO READ: KZN flooding could get worse on Friday

Impact

He paid tribute to the Institution of Traditional Leadership, Khoisan, leaders of political parties and other stakeholders for agreeing to close the bridge.

“We postponed the closure as we wanted to engage with key stakeholders.  We all agreed to act in the interest of the people of Ugu District Municipality and the province as a whole.

“We all acknowledge that the closure will affect all residents—rich and poor. It is for these reasons that we agreed to hold hands and pull behind a common goal of Inspiring Hope for a Better Future,” Duma said.

Alternate routes

Duma shared an alternate route people could use while the bridge is being repaired.

“P464 will be used as an alternative route for now as we await National Minister Barbara Creecy’s approval to waive toll fees at the Oribi Toll Gates Ramps North and South.

“If the toll waiver for the N2 is granted, there would be concurrent repair of P464 alongside the bridge, ensuring a safer and more efficient travel route for all users,” Duma said.

Bridge project

Duma added that about 121 local community members will be employed and will work 528 days with combined salaries of around R11.7 million.

“The recruitment and selection of the Community Liaison Committee shall take place from 11 April 2025. The commencement of work on-site shall begin on 11 May 2025 after the approval of the work permit.

“The estimated value of contracts to be allocated to emerging contractors is approximately R7.6 million,” Duma said.

Warning

Duma also warned the construction mafia of nefarious activities.

The South African Police Service, who were present in the meeting, will act firmly against any rogue elements or construction mafias attempting to extort money or to stop the repairs,” Duma said.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Woman’s body recovered from Pinetown river amid heavy rain, severe flooding in KZN