Liaison Mr Bheki Cele at the sod turning of Mbalane Bridge at Muden
15 June 2007
Protocol observed
I am extremely delighted to be part of the sod-turning ceremony for Mbalane
Bridge here at Muden. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport regards the
provision of bridges and roads infrastructure as a fundamental component of
economic reconstruction not only for our province but also for the entire
country.
The construction of this bridge happens against the background of colonial
deprivation of the people of Msinga dating back to the late 19th century when
the Zulu people fell under British rule. People in this area were
self-sufficient and produced enough for themselves and their livestock.
During the apartheid era, things became worse when the successive apartheid
governments pushed people to areas not conducive to farming. There was a fierce
competition over land and other important resources, which led to
misunderstanding between communities and, ultimately to wars fuelled by
apartheid's divide and rule tactics.
A suspended pedestrian bridge was constructed long ago across the Mooi River
to provide access for the community to the Muden and Greytown area. However,
due to lack of maintenance, this foot bridge deteriorated to such a state where
it is no longer safe to use.
The Greytown Rural Road Transport Forums (RRTF) chairman has informed us
that several community members have lost their lives while using the pedestrian
bridge.
We are gathered here today therefore to fulfil the promise made by my
department three years ago. During 2003/04 financial year, the Greytown RRTF
identified the bridge as one of their priorities.
Subsequent to this, the then MEC for Transport, S'bu Ndebele visited the
area and confirmed support for the proposed bridge on behalf of the Department
of Transport.
The project calls for the construction of a single lane, simple supported
vehicle bridge (five metres wide), with a total span of approximately eighty
meters.
The construction of the piles and pile-caps is currently out on tender with
a planned start date of July 2007. The piling work will be undertaken by
specialist contractors.
The concrete work for the deck, approaches, pier protection work and
earthworks for the approaches will be done by contractors on the Vukuzakhe
Database of the Department. These works will be done utilizing one Stage Two
and two Stage Three contractors.
The estimate cost of the project is approximately R7 million and the project
is programmed to be completed in early 2008.
This project is of uttermost importance to the local community because it
will:
* provide safe vehicular access to the community's property
* provide safe access for pedestrians especially school going children
* provide commercial opportunities to the community
* provide agricultural development opportunities to the community
* provide access to the nearby commercial centres (for example Greytown).
I wish you all a very happy National Youth Day. May the courage and vision
displayed by our youth, 31 years ago on June 16 1976, serve to inspire and
motivate all of us as we strive to bring happiness and 'Defend The Weak' among
our youth and people in this area.
I thank you.
Issued by: Department of Transport, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial
Government
15 June 2007
Source: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kwazulunatal.gov.za/)
