Residents of an Eastern Cape village said despite a contractor being appointed two years ago to build a new bridge — and nearly R10m being spent — all that can be seen at the site today are remnants of a few steel reinforced concrete pillars.
Residents of Nogqala village in the Dr AB Xuma municipality said the collapsed project was another example of government failure.
They said their hopes had been raised when they were promised a bridge would be built over the Mnyolo River.
It was meant to be a “lifeline” for residents, who are cut off from the world when there is heavy rain.
It becomes dangerous because the river becomes full, and the currents are strong
“It becomes dangerous because the river becomes full, and the currents are strong,” resident Lungephi Twaani said.
“Schoolchildren have to wake up early to use the longer route, which is dangerous.”
“It is winter now, so it is still dark for them to walk near the bushes.”
The longer route to avoid crossing the river is about 20km, residents said.
Some children are forced to walk. Sometimes pupils are kept at home out of fear for their safety.
Residents said sometimes they were stranded, unable to reach their homes.
When there are funerals in the village during a downpour, the men have to carry coffins on their shoulders and slowly wade through the water.
Addressing MPs recently, co-operative governance & traditional affairs (Cogta) minister Thembi Nkadimeng said the project was funded by the Municipal Infrastructure Grant. The fund is administered by the department.
Nkadimeng said the initial amount for the construction of the bridge was R12,977,495, which was approved in November 2021.
“The total expenditure to date for both professional services and construction is R9,697,930.
“The contractor who was appointed for the project was terminated for failing to implement the project in terms of the conditions of the contract and for abandoning the site.”
The Daily Dispatch visited the village last week after frustrated residents said there was nothing to show for the nearly R10m reportedly spent on the bridge.
The site was fenced off and the only signs of a bridge were what looked like the bases of 15 concrete pillars with protruding rusted rebar.
There was a container which had been used by security guards, who have since abandoned the site.
There was no footpath for residents.
Our roads are in a very bad condition. It is difficult for public transport to drive to our village because vehicles get ruined, so we have to walk about 15km to the nearest taxi stop to get transportation to town in Engcobo
Twaani said: “Our roads are in a very bad condition. It is difficult for public transport to drive to our village because vehicles get ruined, so we have to walk about 15km to the nearest taxi stop to get transportation to town in Engcobo.”
Project committee member Velile Makhamba said there had been a contractor previously, but now there was no progress on the project.
“We [residents] ended up inquiring with the local municipality because we could see nothing was happening.”
Twaani said they had reached out to council speaker Mandilakhe Kondile, who visited the site.
“That is when he told us the project was suspended. He promised the municipality would attend to the matter. He was aware the funds had been misused,” Twaani said.
He said they were told a new company would be appointed to continue the work.
Ward committee member Mlungisi Mnqayi said the new bridge would help schoolchildren.
“They end up not going to school when it is raining, as it is life-threatening for them to cross the stream.”
We have to carry coffins on our shoulders when we cross the river to access the other village
Makhamba said residents were fed up with empty promises.
“We have to carry coffins on our shoulders when we cross the river to access the other village.
“We risk our lives, especially when it is raining, because the river overflows and the current is strong,” he said.
Municipal spokesperson Zintle Bobelo said the multimillion-rand project had experienced several delays, including a community protest over the site camp.
As a result, work was suspended for two weeks, but the matter was resolved with intervention by the municipality.
She said inclement weather, including heavy and persistent rains, incompetent personnel and slow progress by the appointed contractor had also contributed to the delays.
A decision was taken to terminate the services of the contractor for failing to meet deadlines.
The tender was re-advertised on April 20 2023. The bid committee is in the process of appointing a new service provider, with work expected to commence in the coming financial year.
“The municipality visited the site ... together with new bidders on April 28 2023.
“The municipality conducts monthly visits to check the material that is on site.
“We have a maintenance unit, which works tirelessly to keep the access roads acceptable standards, and the Nogqala bridge forms part of those areas that are taken care of by the maintenance unit.”
Provincial Cogta spokesperson Pheello Oliphant claimed that collusion between a former senior municipal official and directors of the company had contributed to the collapse of the project.
Municipal public accounts committee member Tembile Daniel said they had done an oversight visit and there were concerns that the budget allocated did not match the project.
“We want people from Nogqala village to get a bridge that they deserve, as children are badly affected.”
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