Collapsed bridge leaves villagers trapped by rain

A GREAT Kei municipality village finds itself cut off from the world whenever it rains heavily ever since a bridge built by the department of public works collapsed nearly 18 months ago.

Cefane villagers can cross the river bed only when it is dry and safe.

Public works spokesman Mphumzi Zuzile said construction of the Cefane bridge, meant for vehicles and pedestrians, was not complete, although the community had been allowed to use it.

Zuzile said it is believed that the bridge was washed away.

He said he was not sure why the community was allowed to use the bridge although it was incomplete.

Zuzile said the company contracted to build the bridge was busy with construction of another bridge in Chalumna.

A Daily Dispatch team visiting the scene yesterday saw that a section of the bridge on the village side had collapsed. Cars and pedestrians had worn a track across the river bed.

Cefane Village resident Nomvuyo Stali said the bridge collapsed last May during during heavy rains.

“We were stuck on the other side on our way home.

“We had to wait for hours before it was even remotely safe to cross,” said Stali.

The bridge was used by more than 300 households, local farmers and pupils from local schools, including Byletts High School.

Villager Mzingi Tsupe said the matter needed urgent attention. “Last month a taxi got stuck in the river.”