08 Nov Umbongintwini River Bridge partial collapse highlights infrastructure risks, CESA warns
8 November 2024: 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 serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to prevent further infrastructure failures.
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.
Despite alarming statistics from the Johannesburg Roads Agency about bridge conditions in Johannesburg, Campbell pointed out that there is limited research on the overall state of bridges nationwide. “We lack a comprehensive understanding of the condition of bridges across the country, which makes it harder to prioritise interventions effectively but this does not mean it must not be done!”
Campbell also pointed out a critical aspect regarding the ownership and management of infrastructure assets across the country. “Infrastructure assets are owned by various entities, and it is presumptuous to assume that every bridge is on the verge of collapse. However, this does not mean that failures cannot occur,” he explained. He noted that while many bridges are robustly constructed and show signs of distress before failure, we also have to be cognizant that there remains a concerning trend in infrastructure development where quality is often compromised over costs when awarding projects.
This incident has highlighted the urgent need for routine maintenance across all infrastructure assets – not just bridges but for roads, buildings, and water and sewerage systems – to ensure their longevity and safety. “Proactive maintenance will provide us with a clearer picture of the health of the country’s infrastructure and allow us to protect our citizens better,” he asserted.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of placing qualified individuals in key roles within the public sector’s technical spaces. “To effectively manage and develop our infrastructure, we must ensure that the right people are in the right positions,” Campbell said, underscoring that capable leadership and skilled professionals are vital to safeguarding South Africa’s infrastructure.
To strengthen infrastructure resilience, especially in light of climate change, Campbell urged a proactive approach to construction and maintenance practices. Underlining that resilience should be a guiding principle for future projects, he concluded: “Our approach must evolve; we need to adapt our thinking and practices to build resilient infrastructure that can withstand environmental challenges.”
ENDS
Media Contact:
Brindaveni Naidoo | SWM Communications
Tel: 084 566 7459
brindaveni@swmcommunications.co.za
CESA Contact details:
Bonolo Nkgodi
Marketing and Communications Manager
Tel: 011 463 2022
bonolo@cesa.co.za