The ongoing delays in the reconstruction of the closed Spring Road bridge is frustrating the residents of the area.
The road has been closed for two years, since its structural integrity could not be guaranteed. The bridge suffered structural damage after heavy downpours in 2017.
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The latest concern was raised by the Honeydew Community Policing Forum public relations officer, Jon Rosenberg, who posed questions about the bridge as it is impacting negatively on the fight against crime in Weltevreden Park.
“The CPF and security companies operating in the area are concerned by the fact that the bridge closure has a definite negative impact on our crime-fighting abilities in Devon Valley and the surrounding areas. It has been some time now since the bridge was closed, and it appears that no progress has been made,” he said to the Joburg Roads Agency regional manager, Lawrence Maseko, who had conducted a site visit to the bridge with Ward 126 councillor, David Brand, and an engineer.
Maseko responded: “That bridge was closed because of the safety risk it posed to our community, residents and citizens. We are busy finalising the legislative requirements for the reconstruction project.
“For example, receiving a Water Use Licence takes over 365 working days, subject to not receiving any objections. If one objection is lodged, those days start afresh. Unfortunately, we don’t have any control or influence over these legislative processes. We have a budget, and the bridge will eventually be repaired, as we have indicated on various platforms,” he said in his response to Jon.
When asked about a timeline, Maseko said, “Time frames will only be issued once all the legislative processes are completed and the project plan approved”.
