Unfixed bridge gives abahlali sleepless nights

DAMAGED bridge leaves residents stranded.

Residents of Winnie Mandela in Thembisa, Ekurhuleni are concerned about their bridge, which was destroyed by rain two years ago.

The bridge connects Winnie Mandela, Phumulani Mall and Hospital View and before the rain hit, it was easy for Winnie Mandela residents to access Thembisa Hospital and residents of Hospital View to access Phumulani Mall in Winnie Mandela.

Phindile Zondi (25) from Winnie Mandela said she gets scared when she goes to the hospital as she has a newborn baby and must use new routes.

"It's very close from my home to the hospital, but I must change routes to be safe because I now carry a newborn baby. But I have no choice because it's the nearest health facility to my home," she said.

Malebogo Mukuwelela (57) said it's been two years since the bridge was damaged, but nothing is happening.

"The people who must rebuild this bridge ate the money that was meant for the project, hence they disappeared," he claimed. .

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Mongezi Tshabala said he's concerned about petrol and traffic.

"I don't like the alternative route. It's a long route and petrol is expensive. On top of that there is traffic because it's the only route," he said.

City of Ekurhuleni spokesman Zweli Dlamini said residents should be patient as the project is running and the bridge will be fixed.

"It will be done before the end of the year or it can be in the next six months, according to plans," he said.