By Phumlani Saul
The Matanzima Bridge in KwaNobuhle near Kariega was officially reopened on Thursday, 17 months after it was damaged in a devastating flood that claimed over a dozen lives in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Before the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the taxi industry called for an investigation into officials’ handling of the bridge’s reconstruction, citing corruption in contract allocation.
Santaco Eastern Cape secretary Mtutuzeli Madwara claimed the taxi industry’s pressure led to the bridge’s reopening.
“The taxi industry’s involvement was crucial in getting this bridge reopened,” Madwara said.
“We demand accountability from the metro officials responsible for the delays.”
Mayor Babalwa Lobishe acknowledged the criticism, saying, “We might have started the work due to the disaster, but it was necessary to address the bridge’s maintenance.”
The R89m repair project included fixing embankments and reconstructing the bridge abutments, carried out by Power Construction and EMPA Construction. Lobishe expressed satisfaction with the work, saying, “The bridge is now accessible, and the health facility is accessible.”
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe and MMC for Roads and Transport Yolisa Pali-Jongilanga officially handed over the newly reconstructed bridge to the community.
Lobishe said all safety checks were complete and the bridge was ready for use. “When floods struck our Metro in June and October last year, they did not just damage roads and bridges, they disrupted lives and livelihoods. The Matanzima Bridge was a vital link between Kariega and KwaNobuhle. Today, that connection has been fully restored,” she said.
Contractor Byron Liebenberg praised the local community and SMMEs for their support, saying, “Without them, we wouldn’t have completed the job on time and within budget.”
Siyabonga Gqalana (40) Told Daily Kasi News “Finally! About time. Now let’s focus on maintaining it.
“Glad to see it open, but what about the corruption allegations?” Said Gqalana
Lizo Vena (32) told DK team I’m so excited to see this bridge is finally functioning was so tired using Nomakwezana I would like to say Kudos to the taxi industry for pushing for answers” said Vena
Added Lizo “R89m well spent, hope it lasts another 50 years”
Daily Kasi News 