Residents of Mpheni Ha-Makhakhe have taken it upon themselves to build a makeshift pedestrian bridge over a narrow stream, since the Makhado municipality seemingly reneged on their promise to erect a crossing bridge for them.
Residents say they have been without a road for many years and have to cross the stream on a daily basis to reach the access road to get to work. During the rainy season, the water level rises and it becomes dangerous, especially for the children, who have to get to school. "Even when there are funerals, our people need to make plans for a hearse to reach the deceased's home. Sometimes this is impossible," they say.
A group of residents decided not to wait for the municipality any longer, but do something about it themselves, so they collected rocks and raised money for cement, and thus built their own makeshift bridge.
However, one of the co-ordinators of the project at Mpheni, Mr Dan Magadagela said that, although they have tried their best, the makeshift bridge is not strong enough. "What we need is a proper bridge. I mean a real bridge, not a makeshift structure." He said that numerous requests and proposals for a road had been submitted to the Makhado municipality over the years, but that they only receive fruitless promises in response.
Magadagela said that when they enquired about the promised bridge, they were told the municipality would not be building a temporary bridge anymore, but a permanent one instead. "But when we requested that the municipality follow up on it, we were told it was no longer on the cards. We were told that there is no money for a permanent bridge – not even for a temporary bridge. We then asked if they could at least provide us with cement so we can build the bridge ourselves, but again we were told that there is no money," Magadagela said.
Makhado municipal spokesperson, Mr Louis Bobodi gave his assurance that the municipality cares for the community. He said that they are busy checking with the technical department to see if they can help the community with a proper temporary bridge in order for them to reach their homes safely.