R4bn EC project halts

MTENTU BRIDGE: COMMUNITY PROTEST PUTS PAID TO SANRAL CONSTRUCTION

- Terri-Ann Brouwers

Construction operations on the R4 billion Mtentu Bridge mega project, managed by the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral), came to a halt on Wednesday, as members of the Amadiba inland community blocked roads at three different locations in the Pondoland region in the Eastern Cape.

The community is demanding that Sanral address their long-standing grievances, yet according to the Amadiba Crisis Committee (ACC), the roads agency has given them the "silent treatment".

This blockade follows a similar incident last week, which was resolved after three hours when the police intervened and brought the contractor to engage with the community.

It is said at the time, Sanral promised to respond to the community's concerns by yesterday, but no action has been taken, prompting further disruption.