MyPE

Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

Do YOU have a name for the Baakens River Bridge?

By

After nine months of construction and marking a new era in architectural and engineering design, the Baakens Valley Bridge is nearly complete and likely to officially the first composite materials built public bridge in South Africa.

The 40m arch Baakens Valley bridge with nearly 4m in height, is part of a master plan of extending and connecting the Baakens Valley area and the Inner City (Govan Mbeki).

“The structure is constructed to avoid a build-up of debris during heavy rains and flooding. The bridge will not only provide a safe walking space, but it will also alleviate the parking congestion currently experienced by the city.” Said Thandi Mafu, Project Manager at the MBDA.

The Mandela Bay Development Agency is now encouraging the public to get involved by naming the bridge ahead of its official opening.

“We would like to keep the public involved an engaged along the lifespan of this project. Not so long ago we asked Bay citizens to choose the design and they responded overwhelmingly. We are now closer to opening this bridge of opportunity and once again we call on the public to contribute towards the naming of this new iconic landmark” said Luvuyo Bangazi, MBDA Spokesperson.

Bangazi added that the aim of this call is for the community to take ownership and become more involved in creating the identity of the City we all live, play and work in.

“All suggestions are welcomed and will be considered by a panel of independent reviewers. Suggestions can be as creative as possible and Citizens are free to proposed relevant historical names, past or current local iconic heroes. The MBDA would encourage names that have a heritage or historic connection to the Old South End to bring redress and preservation of the legacy of the area” added Bangazi.

Residents are urged to send their submission to create@mbda.co.za or do so by proving a comment on the Agency’s Facebook page.

The following two tabs change content below.
My Twitter profileMy Facebook profileMy Google+ profileMy LinkedIn profileMy Flickr profileMy Pinterest profile

Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.