Residents unite to fix Shallcross bridge
CONCERNED residents of Shallcross came together to repair the Pompene River Bridge in Blundell, Shallcross, after it was damaged during the recent KwaZulu-Natal floods.
Residents formed a committee called the Pompene River Bridge Project to repair the bridge as vehicles and residents were unable to use it, causing major traffic jams and delays on surrounding roads. The project took 12 days to complete and the bridge was reopened on Sunday in the presence of ward councillors and eThekwini Municipality.
Marcus Richards, spokesperson for the Pompene River Bridge Project, said more than 90% of the work was done by the residents. “We had a major problem when the Pompene River Bridge was destroyed and we came together as residents and decided to do something. We met with private engineers and councillors and informed them of our plan to repair the Pompene River Bridge. The councillors informed us that they would have to get permission from the municipality for work to resume.”
Richards said it was a difficult process that took 12 days. “We had to raise funds from the community of Shallcross to repair the bridge. We had to start by clearing all the debris left by the floods to ensure the river was flowing. This took two to three days.
“We were then able to proceed with repairs, which we were able to complete and reopen the bridge on Sunday. We had to use heavy plant machinery to clear the debris and roadfill material to repair the bridge.
“There are so many individuals that were leaders in this project, such as Kader Goolama and Vernon Chetty. Some people who were involved wished to remain anonymous. This is a temporary repair until the municipality can complete permanent repairs. We are glad that vehicles and residents will now have access.”
Chris van den Berg, ward 63 councillor in Malvern, said he was happy to have played a role.
“The Pompene River Bridge Project team met with me and discussed their plans to repair the bridge, and asked me if they could proceed. I approached the eThekwini Municipality to get permission and was able to get permission and assistance from the municipality.
“It was the community that did most of the work in repairing the bridge. The municipality was present to oversee the process. It was an absolutely incredible experience to be a part of this and to assist in any way I could.”
Fatima Ismail, ward 71 councillor in Shallcross, said that she was proud of the efforts of her community.
“The community worked so hard on this project and it shows what can be accomplished when residents come together.”
Municipal spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela described the work done as “amazing civic pride shown by this community”.
“They came together in the wake of the recent flood damage and assisted by reinstating the roadway. The area is known as the Blundell/Shallcross culvert and was damaged when the approaches were washed away.
“Some locals with access to heavy machinery set about clearing the debris and reinstating the approach roadway with road-fill material and the use of a front-end loader supplied by the municipality’s Road Maintenance Department.”
Mayisela said a team from the municipality was assessing the structure to ensure that all was in order.
“Truly, the civic pride shown here encourages us as a city to also continue to work hard to ensure that our city is repaired and services are restored.”