Mandalay community members in Cape Town have stopped a contractor from demolishing the bridge that connects them to Lower Crossroads.
On Friday morning, a contractor started destroying the bridge, but the workmen didn’t go far as angry community members stopped them.
They wanted to know who gave the contractor permission to demolish the bridge.
“You cannot just come out of nowhere and demolish that bridge. We closed it because we were fed up with crime committed by criminals using the same bridge to escape,” said a Mandalay resident.
A contractor’s employee explained that they were hired to demolish the bridge and didn’t ask any questions.
“We were given a job to demolish the bridge. That’s our job. Sadly we never asked our clients why we have to demolish it as our job is to get the job done, but if you want us to stop, we will and give our client the report.”
Sinazo Kula, 39, said crime had dropped ever since they closed the bridge. “We built the brick wall and welded iron rods because we were tired of chasing criminals.
“No one will come to demolish this bridge because even the people who sent the contractor to open the bridge don’t know what the criminals put us through in our area. They caused a lot of chaos and trauma in the community.”
She understands that the bridge was built to save the lives of residents crossing the busy freeway.
“We had no other choice rather than closing the bridge.”
Lulama Makhala, 45, was happy to see a contractor demolishing the bridge.
“I was happy because closing the bridge was harsh, especially without consulting the Lower Crossroads community. We were also affected by crime, but we never thought they would close the bridge.”
Not everyone agreed with the bridge closure. Said a Lower Crossroads resident: “People have lost their lives because they had no choice but to cross the R300 freeway.
“They are selfish, and people get knocked by speeding cars on the freeway. They should’ve started a patrol rather than closing the bridge.” He wants the bridge to be opened.
Pictured above: Mandalay bridge was closed two years ago
Image Credit: Buziwe Nocuze
