Rebuilding Kariega, Executive Mayor, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe unveils revitalised Cuyler Bridge, after devastating floods
Published: December 11, 2024<< BACK TO NEWS
Rebuilding Kariega, Executive Mayor, Cllr Babalwa
Lobishe unveils revitalised Cuyler Bridge, after devastating floods.
Kariega
residents erupted with joy as the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive
Mayor, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe, unveiled the newly refurbished Cuyler Bridge, a
3,8 million infrastructure marvel. Officially opened today, 10 December 2024,
after being hit by severely devastating floods, this vital bridge has been
restored to its former glory. The newly refurbished bridge promises to bring
relief to Kariega residents, as an early Christmas gift, revitalising local
economic activity, enhancing transportation, and reconnecting communities
isolated by the disaster.
The
successful reconstruction of Cuyler Bridge marks the triumphant completion of
phase 1 of the project. Building on this momentum, the project has transitioned
to phase 2, focusing on enhancing the surrounding water management system
involving clearing the riverbank to restore natural flow, cleaning the canal
and drainage system to mitigate flood risks.
"We
are thrilled to announce the successful completion of the first project, as the
closure of the bridge was negatively affecting the economic zone of the area,
we wouldn’t want businesses to be affected any further. As part of my 100-days
priorities we are driving impactful, agile, quality infrastructural development
to boost Kariega’s growth” said the Executive Mayor, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe.
Kariega’s
recovery efforts are gaining momentum. After the devasting floods ravaged the
town, "as the current Executive Mayor, I am committed to rebuild and boost the
infrastructure in Kariega as part of her 100-days priorities under the "All
Hands-on Deck” initiative. True to my word and that of the collective
leadership of the mayoral Committee, several key projects are now underway
including the rebuilding of the Jubilee canal and the gibbon bridge, Kariega,
all valued at approximately 6,2 million.”
Efforts
to rebuild Kariega are accelerating rapidly, showcasing the Municipality’s
commitment in revitalising infrastructure in Kariega. The infrastructure
projects currently underway are racing ahead of schedule, with the Jubilee
canal project significantly exceeding expectations. Moreover, the Matanzima
bridge, initially set to be completed in 24 months is now scheduled for
completion in just less than 10 months.
"We
are racing to complete all the project before the festive season begins.
Following regular site inspections, we noted that the canal is closer to the
community posing a safety risk particularly for children playing in the area.
To mitigate this, contractors are working diligently, including weekends,” said
Acting Director of Project Management, Sisanda Njanjula.
Joy
and Excitement overflowed as residents celebrated the bridge’s official
opening, and the successful progression of Kariega’s rebuilding journey.
"We
are excited, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the municipality, under the
leadership of our Executive Mayor, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe for prioritising
Kariega’s development within her 100-days initiative. We are thrilled to see
our roads open, we will definitely enjoy our festive season,” said Kariega
community member, Belinda Snam.
The
Executive Mayor cautioned residents against littering in the river, storm water
drains, and canals, emphasising how illegal littering negatively affects river
overflow and contributes to subsequent floods during heavy rains.
Ends.
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