After more than three years of hardship and frustration, the much-needed rebuilding of the Amatikwe Bridge in Inanda is finally underway, thanks to the continued efforts and advocacy of the Democratic Alliance (DA) in eThekwini.
In April 2022, devastating floods washed away the bridge, a critical link for the community of Amatikwe. This bridge, located on the main road used by school children, health workers, welfare workers, and the public, was essential for access to education, healthcare, and transportation. However, the eThekwini municipality, led by the ANC/IFP/EFF coalition, failed to prioritise the rebuilding of this vital infrastructure, leaving residents in an increasingly difficult and unsafe situation.
The DA has been at the forefront of demanding accountability from the municipality, pushing for action on this issue since the floods. Despite numerous complaints and repeated requests from the community, the municipality’s response has been one of delay and excuses, including claims of a lack of budget. The city’s failure to address this disaster was exacerbated by the municipality’s inability to properly manage the disaster relief funds allocated by the national government, which had to be returned due to mismanagement.
The DA has not given up on the residents of Amatikwe. For over three years, we have fought for the rebuilding of this bridge. The community’s resilience and patience should not have been tested in this way, and we are proud that, after much pressure, the municipality has finally started this important project.
In 2023, the project was left incomplete, further exacerbating the safety concerns for residents. However, with the DA’s persistence, work has now commenced to rebuild the bridge properly, and we are hopeful that this time, the project will be finished as promised.
The DA remains committed to ensuring that the needs of the community are addressed, and we will continue to hold the ANC-led municipality accountable for its failures. The Amatikwe Bridge is just one example of how the DA is fighting to make eThekwini a better place for all residents,
The DA reiterates that eThekwini needs a leadership that prioritizes disaster preparedness, infrastructure maintenance, and the safety of its residents. The party will continue to demand that the ANC/IFP/EFF-led municipality be held accountable for their failures and push for budgets that address the real needs of the people of eThekwini.