Residents of KwaNobuhle continue to face significant challenges during peak hours due to the prolonged closure of the Matanzima Bridge, resulting in severe traffic congestion, particularly along Nomakhwezana Road.
In addition to traffic delays, motorists are grappling with the deteriorating condition of Ndlambe Street, where large potholes have caused vehicle damage and tyre punctures.
Some residents have resorted to using an informal route behind the Laetitia Bam Day Hospital facility to bypass the congestion.
As frustration grows, residents are calling on the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality for urgent intervention and clarity on the timeline for repairing both the bridge and the affected roads.
A community leader, Thamsanqa Nkevu, said, “Nomakhwezana Road and Ndlambe Street have been presenting both workers and students with challenges since last year. People who operate motor vehicles, trucks and buses have experienced challenges relating to accidents, breakdowns and tyre bursts because of these potholes.”
He added that owing to the growing potholes, he has lost three tyres.
“At night when it is raining, it is increasingly difficult to see potholes as they are filled with water. I have noticed a lot of vehicles in KwaNobuhle using their spare wheels, which to me indicates that the potholes are getting out of hand and are unavoidable,” Nkevu said.
He added that the small streets of Nomakhwezana Road and Ndlambe Street are occupied by buses and trucks, which means that other drivers in smaller vehicles are forced to go into these potholes, sometimes causing significant damage to their vehicles.
“On several occasions, Algoa buses using this road break down, further exacerbating traffic congestion.
“Not only that, but I have seen car mirrors being hit by trucks on Nomakhwezana Road because the road is too small and was not meant for trucks to use,” said Nkevu.
According to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality spokesperson, Sithembiso Soyaya, the Municipality has provided alternative routes for road users.
He also said that the Municipality is aware of the ongoing issues linked to the temporary routes, which is why they allegedly service the temporary routes frequently to ensure a better travel experience for residents.
“Ongoing rains and traffic congestion are bound to put pressure on the temporary routes; hence we plead for patience and for residents to identify alternative routes, given the existing challenges.”
As the restoration of the Matanzima Bridge has not yet begun since the June 1, 2024 flash flood, when asked whether the works will be complete in the 10-month timeframe given by Mayor Babalwa Lobishe at the reopening of the Niven’s Bridge, an answer was omitted as a contractor for the building of the bridge has allegedly not been procured yet.
