Taxi Associations shut down Nelson Mandela Bay over Kwanobuhle Bridge repairs

Taxi Associations shut down Nelson Mandela Bay over Kwanobuhle Bridge repairs! Taxi associations, supported by various stakeholders, brought Nelson Mandela Bay Metro to a complete standstill as they demanded urgent action on the long-overdue repairs to the Kwanobuhle Bridge.

The bridge was damaged by floods in June last year, and despite repeated calls for repairs, there has been little progress.

In a bold display of frustration, protesters used taxis and other vehicles to block all major entry points into the metro.

Major Routes Blocked

The protest caused significant disruption to daily life, as taxi operators barricaded roads leading into the city from:

• Despatch

• Kwanobuhle

• Kariega

• Addo

• Nqweba

Businesses, commuters, and emergency services struggled to operate, with some residents unable to get to work or school.

Taxi Associations shut down

Protesters refused to leave, vowing to remain on-site until they received official commitments regarding the bridge’s repairs.

Mayor Lobishe Intervenes Amid Rising Tensions

Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor Babalwa Lobishe arrived at the scene to address the demonstrators in an attempt to ease tensions.

A closed-door meeting between Lobishe and the protest leaders nearly collapsed, as frustrations over government delays reached boiling point.

For two hours, discussions continued, with no immediate resolution in sight.

Breakthrough Agreement Reached

Eventually, an agreement was reached. Mayor Lobishe acknowledged the delays and explained that the municipality had intended to introduce the contractor to the Kwanobuhle community but was waiting for legal clearance before proceeding.

She provided assurances that work on the Kwanobuhle Bridge would now begin immediately.

Key Details of the Repair Project

• The bridge repairs will cost R89 million.

• Construction is set to start on Tuesday.

• The project is expected to take 12 months to complete.

While some protesters remained skeptical, many viewed the announcement as a victory after months of government inaction.

Impact of the Protest

The protest had a major impact on:

1. Transport & Commuters

   • Thousands of workers and students were stranded, unable to reach their destinations.

   • Public transport was completely halted, causing economic losses for businesses and taxi operators alike.

2. Businesses & Services

   • Many businesses were forced to close due to the blocked roads.

   • Emergency services faced serious delays, with concerns over ambulances and law enforcement reaching critical cases in time.

3. Government Response

   • The local government faced backlash for taking so long to address the bridge repairs.

   • Some residents doubted whether construction would truly begin as promised.

Community Reaction

The protest divided public opinion.

• Supporters of the strike argued that the government had ignored their concerns for too long, and only through strong action could they force real change.

• Critics pointed to the massive disruption caused, saying the shutdown negatively affected thousands of innocent people.

What Happens Next?

With construction set to begin, the government is under pressure to follow through on its promises.

Taxi associations and community members warned that if there were any further delays, they would resume the protests.

As the city recovers from the chaos, all eyes are now on whether Kwanobuhle Bridge repairs will truly begin as scheduled.