The ceremony was held at Rabali Village, on the banks of the widened Nzhelele River. Among the dignitaries were Thovhele Toni Mphephu, Mayor Brighton Tlakula of the Makhado Municipality, Mr James Delekisa, Regional Chairperson of Sanco, councillors, local chiefs and several guests from the Public Works Department.
The opening of the bridges brought joy to motorists and businessmen as their businesses had come to a halt during the floods. Mr Chabane said the flood did not bring a cul de sac to his mind, but creativity. "No one can stop the rain, except God, yet I have endured vulgar words from the stranded communities alleging that the Public Works Department was doing nothing for them."
He saluted a good Samaritan, Mr Sibadela, and others for building a makeshift structure across the river. Many people risked their lives crossing the river carrying coffins, food and medicine.
"Now we are going to mobilise public resources in the Vhembe municipal district," said MEC Chabane. The Rabali and Dopeni bridges were the first to be official opened in the Limpopo Province. Thovhele Toni Mphephu congratulated Chabane for restoring Nzhelele and its network. Mr Tlakula said the construction of the two bridges shows the might of the government.