Parts of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro were brought to a standstill as taxi associations, joined by other stakeholders, staged a protest demanding urgent repairs to the Kwanobuhle Bridge, which was damaged by floods last June.
Protesters blocked all major entry points, including routes from Despatch, Kwanobuhle, Kariega, Addo, and Nqweba, using their vehicles. They vowed to maintain the blockade until they received firm assurances on the bridge’s repair timeline.
Mayor Babalwa Lobishe addressed the demonstrators, and a tense closed-door meeting nearly collapsed before an agreement was reached after two hours. Lobishe explained that delays were due to awaiting legal counsel but assured residents that plans were in place.
She confirmed that the bridge reconstruction would cost R89 million, with work set to begin on Tuesday and expected to be completed within 12 months.
The protest highlights growing frustration over infrastructure delays in the metro, with residents and transport operators demanding greater accountability.