The DA demands immediate toll relief or a temporary toll concession for all vehicles using the alternative routes as a result of the Umzimkhulu Bridge closure.
The lack of procedure observed in closing the Umzimkhulu Bridge, including the lack of necessary due diligence required for such a significant disruption to local communities and economic activity is concerning.
While we acknowledge the need for the bridge repairs, the process leading to its closure has been rushed and inadequately planned, leaving commuters and residents facing unnecessary hardship.
Umzimkhulu bridge is an essential infrastructure that connects communities, facilitates local trade, and serves as a critical transportation route for thousands of commuters and businesses.
While the DA welcomes governments steps towards improving the bridge’s safety and functionality, we are also extremely concerned by the toll fees being charged to commuters during the estimated six-month emergency repair period.
The closure of the Umzimkhulu Bridge has already caused significant inconvenience to commuters, businesses, and residents who are now forced to take longer, more costly detour routes. Not only does this increase travel time it also raises fuel costs, placing an undue financial burden on affected communities.
The DA calls on the relevant authorities to immediately introduce a toll concession for motorists using alternative routes during the repair period. It is unjust to continue charging full toll fees for routes that are longer, less efficient, and more difficult to navigate due to ongoing infrastructure work. A toll concession will provide relief to those who are already bearing the brunt of these disruptions.
The DA demands the following:
• Immediate toll relief or a temporary toll concession for all vehicles using the alternative routes as a result of the Umzimkhulu Bridge closure;
• Financial fairness for commuters who are being forced to pay tolls for longer detour routes, with no improvement in the quality or efficiency of their journeys and;
• Transparency from government regarding the timeline for repairs, so that affected residents can plan their travel accordingly and not face unnecessary additional costs.
Fairness and accountability must form part of this repair process. While the DA fully supports the much-needed bridge restoration, those who are most affected should not be penalised through continued toll payments that are no longer justified.
The DA calls on the relevant authorities at national level to act swiftly and ensure that toll relief is granted during this time of disruption. It is the right thing to do for the hardworking people of this community.