Public Protector demands KZN finish rural bridges 

By Celani Sikhakhane

The KZN government is under fire from the Public Protector over the incomplete construction of bridges that began in 2013 for the community of the remote rural village of uMsinga near Greytown. 

On Wednesday, advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, with her team of investigators, visited uMsinga and inspected the uncompleted bridges.

The visit comes after communities in the Msinga local municipality approached Gcaleka’s office earlier in the year to complain about the delayed completion of the Ngebevu Bridge and the failure to upgrade the Nadi/Nhlonga Bridge.

As a result of the delays, the community claims they are at risk during the rainy season, as the bridges should provide safe passage over the uThukela River.

The Public Protector’s office engaged with learners from affected schools to hear their first-hand experience of the challenges caused by the delay in finalising the bridges.

Gcaleka raised concerns that the delay has affected learners attending schools as well as patients who have to collect their medication at healthcare facilities on the other side of the river.

She told the meeting that she wants the provincial government to intervene urgently to address the crisis of the uncompleted bridges. 

Gcaleka said she would bring her findings to the attention of KZN Premier Thami Ntuli and the KZN legislature. 

KZN’s MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, attended the inspection and promised the Public Protector that his department would urgently attend to the two bridges. 

“Right in front of us, we have Mahlokohloko High School that is going to benefit out of this project,” said Duma.

He said the Ngubevu Bridge might be completed next year, which will help boost the area’s tourism economy.

Duma also revealed that a budget of R80-million has been allocated for the Nadi/Nhlonga Bridge to ensure its completion. 

Pictured above: Public Protector advocate Kholeka Gcaleka with KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma visit the bridges in uMsinga that haven’t been completed since 2013.

Source: Ndabezinhle Sibiya/Dept of T&HS