MEDIA STATEMENT

TO:  ALL MEDIA

DATE:  27 AUGUST 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT VISIT TO THE COLLAPSED HENDRIK POTGIETER STREET BRIDGE IN ROODEPOORT

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Transport and Logistics Portfolio Committee, led by Chairperson Honourable Gregory Schneemann, recently conducted an oversight visit to assess the progress on the rebuilding of the bridge in Hendrick Potgieter street in Roodepoort that collapsed in December 2022. 

The Portfolio Committee observed that the repair work is underway and nearing completion, and the Department and contractor are committed to meeting the deadline of 30th November 2023. The Portfolio Committee is however concerned about delays on this project as the community and motorists in the area and surrounding areas are severely inconvenienced by the collapse of this bridge. The delay is particularly affecting the motorists and residents in the area due to traffic congestion and heavy duty vehicles that are damaging and thus deteriorating the alternative roads in the area. 

The Portfolio Committee is also concerned about non cooperation of the law enforcement agencies to control traffic in the area and will engage the Department to ensure adequate presence of traffic control officials. 

And as it continues to hold the Department accountable, the Portfolio Committee will embark on another round of an oversight visit in due course to assess progress made. The envisaged oversight visit will also include stakeholder engagement with the residents and motorists in the area to solicit their views and frustrations on this matter.


ISSUED BY THE GPL’S COMMUNICATIONS UNIT ON BEHALF OF CHAIRPERSON OF TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE, HON. GREGORY SCHNEEMANN

For more information and interview requests please contact: Mr Abe Mokoka on079 882 5425 email: amokoka@gpl.gov.za