BRIDGE COLLAPSES IN LIMPOPO

AN incomplete bridge linking rural residents to a town in Phalaborwa, Limpopo, which was funded to the tune of R24m by the Palaborwa Mining Company (PMC), has been washed away after recent heavy rains, leaving scores of villagers stranded.

Residents of GaSelwana, 50km north of Phalaborwa, were unable to access neighbouring areas after the bridge was flushed away on Saturday.

According to a local councillor, Eddy Mokgalaka, though the collapsed bridge was still under construction, motorists were crossing it successfully until Saturday.

“We are practically stuck and there is nothing we can do at the moment. Residents are unable to go to town because one has to cross the bridge on their way to Phalaborwa,” he said.

Mokgalaka said many people in the area travelled daily for work to Phalaborwa, Namakgale and Kruger National Park.

“This is a blow for the entire community because there is no movement. Worse, schools will be opening soon and children will be affected.”

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, and works in Phalaborwa, said since Saturday he was unable to see his relatives.

“It is difficult for us to get our basic needs. There are things that I need to take home but I can’t do that because there is no road,” he said

Mopani district municipality spokesperson Odas Ngobeni said the bridge had been badly damaged and it had restricted movements.

“We advise community members to take precautionary measures and not try to cross flooded areas,” Ngobeni said.

Mokgalaka said the bridge was funded by PMC to the tune of R24m. The contractor left the site a few weeks ago after he was served with an urgent court interdict, ”he said.

PMC spokesperson Abbey Ledwaba didn’t respond to requests for comment at the time of going to print.

The continuous heavy rains have affected several areas in Limpopo.

Ngobeni added that there were reports of a house that had collapsed at Tarentaal and that two people had been injured and rushed to hospital.