It will take KZN's Transport Department 27 years to address the current pedestrian bridge backlog
4 February 2020
During a meeting of the KwaZulu-Natal Transport portfolio committee, held last week, it was revealed that it will take another 27 years for the province’s Department of Transport (DoT) to address the current backlog of more than 350 pedestrian bridges.
The figure – contained in a report released to the committee (view here) – is based on a target of 13 bridges per financial year. In most instances, the bridges are urgently needed in order to allow children to access schools. According to the report, KZN required 471 bridges in 2006. Since then, the DoT claims to have built 116 bridges, leaving a balance of 355.
The DA is deeply concerned by this finding. What it means is that for almost another three decades, thousands of children living in rural communities will have to continue risking their lives, by crossing often dangerous rivers, in order to receive an education.
During the same meeting, the DA also raised concern around the tabling of the report which dates back from 2006. This is the Department which is ultimately responsible for having the most up-to-date information when it comes to transport in our province. Yet here they are presenting information which is some 14 years old.