Facing crocodiles and the possibility of drowning while crossing Uthukela River will be a thing of the past for school learners of KwaDukuza and Maphumulo in the Ilembe District following the completion of three major bridges across the stretch of the biggest uThukela river.
The community is now able to safely used Nyakana, Mabhobhane and Mvumase bridges to access important amenities such as schools, clinics, taxi ranks and to connect to the nearest towns.
The Nyakana Uthukela River Bridge, constructed at an investment of R89.5 million with a provision for pedestrian crossing, serves learners and communities from Mankenganeni community on the northern side of the river. It links Umlalazi and KwaDukuza Local Municipalities.
Previously, the communities had relied on the services of a Good Samaritan, Amos Dludla, 65, who used his boat over the years to help the learners cross safely every morning from Mankenganeni to Emdlebeni.
Mabhobhane Uthukela River Bridge links Umlalazi and Maphumulo Local Municipalities and assists school learners attending Inkonjane Primary School, Embusweni Primary School, Inkonjane Secondary School, Phandaphansi Primary School and the Mpungeni Primary School.
This bridge was constructed at an investment of R130.8 million. In addition, this bridge links District Road D1533 to main road P710 and will also provide a much-needed link to the towns of Mandeni and Eshowe.
Mvumase Uthukela River Pedestrian Bridge also built for R9.5 million assists learners who attend Mvumase Primary School, Empungeni Primary School, Siyacothoza Primary School and the Ezithabeni Senior School. It also provides access to the Uqaqeni and the Mtabaqumbi Provincial Clinics.
MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda, today, 07 May 2018, conducted a Siyahlola programme to assess progress in these bridges and expressed satisfaction with the work done.
“We conducted this programme to satisfy ourselves with the work we had committed. We did this visit ahead of our budget speech (which is taking place tomorrow), as we will be reporting on the progress on some of our major infrastructure projects. The construction of these bridges has ensured the safety of travellers, markedly reduced late-coming and absenteeism. The construction of these bridges has also completely eliminated incidents of drowning. Learners relayed to me their stories of having to cross the river in freezing conditions when going to school,” said Kaunda.
Dingakele Seme (16), who is a Grade 9 learner at Nyakana Combined School in KwaDukuza said he is now able to arrive at school on time and this has enabled them to drastically improve their school performance.
“Before the construction of the bridge, the only way to cross the river was by using a boat. It was a very difficult time for our community as most people relied on this wooden boat which would sometimes arrive late and this resulted in us missing important classes. That is now a thing of the past, thanks to the department. We get to school on time and we don’t miss out on any classes,” said Seme.