Jakes Gerwel Drive at Viking Road closed due to illegal sand mining

Lester Kiewit interviews Roberto Quintas, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility.

Listen below.

The City’s Urban Mobility Directorate has announced the temporary closure of sections of Jakes Gerwel Drive at Viking Road, heading towards the N2.

This action follows a recent inspection that revealed significant damage to the road’s integrity, caused by illegal excavation activities beneath the Bonteheuwel Bridge, resulting in surface failure of the road.

A tunnel was found to have been dug under the bridge, and the situation has worsened due to ongoing activities by individuals residing within the cavity, says Quintas.

He adds that these actions, including further excavation and the lighting of fires, have caused extensive damage to the road infrastructure.

"As a result, the road of the bridge began to sag because of the absence of infill underneath the road structure itself."

- Roberto Quintas, Mayoral Committee Member – Urban Mobility

Motorists are advised to avoid the southbound section of Jakes Gerwel Drive at Viking Road, and to use alternative routes while the City’s Roads Infrastructure Management Department works to address the issue and carry out necessary repairs.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.