The long-awaited solution to KwaNobuhle’s infrastructure crisis appears to be on the horizon as officials announced today, March 31, that three subcontractors have been appointed for the Matanzima Bridge repairs, with the main contractor set to be named this Friday. This development has led to the postponement of further taxi strikes, which had previously paralysed the whole of Kariega when the Uitenhage and District Taxi Association (UDTA) peacefully protested the prolonged delays in addressing the bridge’s collapse during the June 1 flash floods.
At today’s meeting, media representatives were politely asked to step out so that an agreement could be reached between the Executive Mayor, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe, Uitenhage and District Taxi Association (UDTA) representatives, SAPS, SANCO, and other civil society organisations. The meeting resulted in a tentative truce as stakeholders agreed to pause industrial action pending Friday’s anticipated contractor appointment; a potential turning point in the ongoing infrastructure saga that has severely disrupted transportation and commerce in the region.
Executive Mayor, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe said, “The resolution is that the strike is put on hold until Friday, because the R89 million set aside for disaster management is what we are taking to council now. After the council meeting, we will continue with relevant committees to proceed with evaluation and all bidding by committees will be done on Thursday. On Friday, the Metro will hopefully award the chosen main contractors.”
She added that, “We are satisfied with the outcome of this meeting, however, it is quite disturbing to hear that our City officials did not take into account the seriousness of this issue, and I can assure you that after this council meeting, heads are going to turn. We cannot be doing business as usual when we have had plans to turn things around for our Metro. Consequences are going to follow for those responsible for this situation that we are in now.”
Lubabalo Vesele, UDTA spokesperson said, “As the Taxi Association, we are happy that the subcontractors have been appointed. We are waiting for the approval of the R89 million set aside for infrastructure development. We will have a stakeholder meeting on Friday, which is where we will know who the main contractor is.”
Vesele added that the appointment of the three subcontractors is a sign that the Municipality has heard our grievances and are now planning to fix the bridge.
“After this meeting, we have instructed all our taxis to move their vehicles and allow smooth movement in and out of Kariega for all other motorists,” he said.
Vesele reiterated that the strike is not permanently over; the outcome of the appointment to be made on Friday will determine whether or not the strike will continue. Should the council approve using the R89 million to fix the bridge, the UDTA will not protest again.
He concluded that the three subcontractors that were chosen are BLB Construction, Khayelihle Construction and Siyaya Phambili Holdings Construction & Crane Hire.
