Pretoria – A video clip is doing the rounds on social media warning motorists to be careful when driving over President Steyn Bridge, in Pretoria North because the concrete pillars that hold it up appear to have been cut.
All the pillars shown in the video appear to have been severed near the bottom and only a small part remains intact.
The caption of the video clip says: “They have cut or are busy cutting the pillars that hold the bridge.
“Can we raise an altar of prayers against the plans of the devil?”
Responding to the warning, Ward Councillor Quentin Meyer said in a statement addressed to residents that: “We are aware of concerns regarding the condition of the bridge in question.
“Please note that while there has been recent vandalism, the structural state of the pillars at the base has remained unchanged for many years.
“The situation has been escalated to the regional head, Metro Police, and South African Police Service for further investigation.”
The statement released on Sunday, (24 November 2024), added: “Tomorrow, the matter will also be raised with the MMC for additional action.
“We kindly request residents to avoid spreading unverified information or causing unnecessary panic.”
There were also unconfirmed suggestions that what appears as cuts on the pillars were believed to be expansion joints for the bridge.
For now, all eyes are on President Steyn Bridge.
The Citizen quotes Tshwane Mayor Dr. Nasiphi Moya as saying the bridge was not collapsing.
“The City’s engineers have confirmed that the bridge has not been vandalised and is safe,” said Mayor Moya.
“The bridge was designed and built like that and we have assessment photos dating back to 2004 showing the ‘concrete hinges’ seen as cuts have always been there.
“The bridge has been standing for decades with no major problems except maintenance issues.”
