Durban - It has been revealed that the cost of replacing Coedmore Bridge, which was damaged during last months heavy rains and flooding, is estimated to cost R26 million.
On Saturday, ward councillor Gavin Hegter said he had been in constant contact with the engineer working on the replacement of their bridge.
“The biggest challenge at the moment is funding. Neither national nor provincial governments have come forward with any funding for disaster relief,” Hegter said.
“The estimated cost of replacing the bridge is R26 million.”
“Remember that this is not the only major project in our city; the municipality just doesn't have the funds,” Hegter continued.
He said that there had been suggestions that the residents rebuild the bridge and although the idea was commendable, it was not feasible.
“This is a major engineering project unlike what was done in Shallcross. The bridge in Shallcross was not washed away. It was the approach on either side. The community did a fantastic job of coming together to backfill the two sides,” Hegter said.
He said there were also comments regarding the army building a bailey bridge as they have done in other areas.
“Unfortunately, this has only been done in areas where the community is totally cut off from the outside world. This would still have huge cost implications and the funds are just not available at this stage,” explained Hegter.
“Unfortunately, the reality is that we are going to have to live with the inconvenience for some time,” he said.
He said he would continue to drive the issue.
Earlier this month, Hegter told residents he had chatted with the engineer responsible for replacing the bridge.
The good news from the chat was that the bridge would be replaced.
“Fortunately, it will remain a single lane due to the railway tunnel. This will continue to restrict trucks coming through the area,” Hegter said.
However, the bad news was that “it will most likely still be a while before work starts on the new bridge. We are third in line”.
“Unfortunately, there is still no indication of where the funds are going to come from,” Hegter said.
Daily News