TAXI and bus associations can breathe a sigh of relief as the R24 million Hendrik Potgieter Bridge finally opened after a year-long closure.
In December 2022, the bridge in Roodepoort collapsed during heavy rains. As a result, routes linking Krugersdorp and Joburg were affected.
Motorists, taxis and buses were diverted traffic into the inner roads within communities, causing congestion.
However, as of Thursday, 7 December, all of this will be history as the bridge is now open, and transport associations are excited.
Speaking to Daily Sun, a member of the Faraday Taxi Association, Sihle Makhanya, said when the bridge collapsed, it caused a scare, especially for those driving at night, increasing the chances of accidents.
"When they told us they would be done by the end of November, we didn't believe them. The strike before the work began worsened things and caused us to worry. We were diverted in congested routes, making it hard to meet our customer's demands of being on time.
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"But now that the road has been fixed, we can easily drive. We are grateful because there is finally light in our government and our demands were met," Makhanya.
Member of the Dorljota Taxi Association felt the same sentiments, Ithumeleng Chambata, who said he was pleased that the government worked with them and ensured that their outcries were heard.
In the meantime, Executive member of the South African Bus Owners Association Eric Motswane said buses suffered the most, especially when travelling along the interior roads.
"It was a nightmare; if normal traffic was struggling, it was worse for buses. But we are happy that the road is open because the diversions were difficult. This is surely delivery at play," he said.
Gauteng Transport and Logistics MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said they are in the process of refixing the interior roads that were used at the time when the bridge was being reconstructed.
"We are putting together a business case to ensure that we fix the roads being used. This is a process, and according to engineers, we will finish by January and ensure that damaged roads are fixed," she said.
