The Amaoti Pedestrian Bridges Project has been awarded the prestigious 2024 South African Institute of Civil Engineering (SAICE) Community Based Project of the Year Award.
This recognition was bestowed on the city at the 2024 SAICE National Awards held in Johannesburg on September 5.
The project involved constructing four 25-meter single-span U-shaped conventional reinforced concrete pedestrian bridges over the Ohlanga River in response to the April 2022 floods.
eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba said the Amaoti Pedestrian Bridges Projects stands as a testament to the power of infrastructure in transforming communities.
“We are thrilled to receive this recognition from SAICE. This vital project was funded by the National Disaster Management Centre under the Disaster Recovery Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Projects initiative. The bridge has significantly improved safety and accessibility for Amaoti residents as they previously had to cross over a busy road,” Mayor Xaba said.
“This project represents our commitment to creating safe and sustainable infrastructure that enhances the lives of residents. We are particularly proud of the positive impact this project has had on the Amaoti community. The final construction cost of the project was R11.4 million.”
He said the U-shape design of the bridges is a notable feature, selected for its structural efficiency and resilience.
Mr Xaba added that the 300mm thick web-beam design eliminates the need for handrails, reducing maintenance needs and preventing damage from debris during floods.
The SAICE Community Based Project Award recognises projects that demonstrate excellence in community engagement, innovation, and sustainability.
The Amaoti Pedestrian Bridge exemplifies these qualities, said Mr Xaba, serving as a model for future infrastructure projects across South Africa. The project also involved local labour and suppliers, boosting the local economy and creating numerous job opportunities. There were 40 people employed during the project, of which 26 were residents and five were emerging local subcontractors, Mr Xaba said.
