Note to Editors: Please note Riona Gokool, MPL sound bite in English
A recent KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Transport portfolio committee oversight inspection of the uMdloti River Bridge – in the Ndwedwe area – has revealed staggering levels of mismanagement, incompetence, and neglect of a critical infrastructure project.
Construction of the bridge has now dragged on since 2016 yet, to date, it remains incomplete.
What was envisioned as a solution to outdated and dangerous infrastructure along Main Road 713 has instead become a case study in government failure.
The facts are damning;
• Despite construction having been underway for over eight years, only 44% of the work was complete as of April 2025
• Two contractors have failed to complete the work. The first was terminated for poor performance in 2018 while the second has cash flow problems, with penalties now being implemented for delays
• Despite receiving more than R79million in tender value, this contractor has failed to meet the most basic project milestones within the agreed timeframe
• The project is now eight months overdue, with no clear commitment from KZN’s Department of Transport (DoT) to enforce accountability or protect taxpayers’ money
• Infrastructure on site remains exposed, materials sit unused and work is stalled due to contractor disarray and DoT indecision and;
• Flood damage, security breaches, and safety non-compliance have all occurred, further showing a lack of oversight and crisis management.
It is unacceptable that after almost a decade, communities in Ndwedwe and the surrounding region remain underserved, isolated and placed at risk due to the DoT’s repeated failures.
Where is the urgency? Where is the accountability?
Earlier this year, the DA called for answers from KZN Transport MEC, Siboniso Duma as shoddy workmanship, inflated and exorbitant contracts, wasteful expenditure and blatant neglect of KZN’s road infrastructure continues to have a devastating effect on road users.
As part of KZN’s Provincial Government of Unity (GPU), the DA will insist that these issues are addressed. In the case of uMdloti bridge we demand that;
– KZN’s DoT issue a full public explanation for the construction delays and provide a revised and credible completion plan
– The DoT clarify its position on contractor penalties and outline steps it will take to safeguard this project from further collapse and;
– The DoT conduct a full audit of funds spent to date – to be made public. The people of KZN deserve to know how their money is being used, or misused.
Our communities deserve better. Enough is enough – the people of Ndwedwe have waited long enough for safe, reliable infrastructure. The time for excuses is over.