Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) has responded to the recent partial collapse of the Umbongintwini River Bridge on the N2 southbound, in KwaZulu-Natal, emphasising the incident as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive infrastructure maintenance across the nation. This incident highlights the importance of proactive measures to prevent further infrastructure failures.
Supplied by CESA
Chris Campbell, CEO of CESA, addressed this critical issue, stating: “The partial collapse of the bridge is a reminder that while we focus on new projects, we must not neglect our existing infrastructure, much of which is deteriorating and in dire need of attention.”
He emphasised the importance of maintaining public confidence in infrastructure safety, reassuring South Africans not to panic, and that while incidents like these are concerning, they should serve as catalysts for prioritising infrastructure development.
Campbell added that South Africa is home to some of the world’s best engineers and infrastructure, but this potential is not being leveraged effectively. “We have the talent and capability to maintain safe, reliable infrastructure, yet there’s a clear need for a shift in focus to maximise this expertise and address existing vulnerabilities,” he explained.
