In July this year, residents of Vondo village, which falls under the Thulamela Municipality, decided to start with the construction of a footbridge across the Mutshundudi River after they had raised R135 000. Although this amount sounds sufficient for such a project, they will need considerably more, and they are pleading for donations from well-wishers for them to complete their bridge.
The bridge will enable learners to cross safely to school and help the community to access the R523 road to Thohoyandou.
According to a report by online publisher Groundup in July this year, the villagers have been pleading with the Thulamela Municipality to build a footbridge across the river for 20 years. "We were so excited to be able to finally do it ourselves, but we are stuck now. For us to complete the bridge, we need at least another R100 000. So far, we have gone back to the community for contributions and have managed to raise R25 000. This is still far too short of what we need," said Simon Nevondo, the spokesperson for the local traditional leader.
Nevondo said the community could not wait for the municipality anymore as they were not sure when, or if, it would come aboard. "In less than three months' time, we will be experiencing rainy weather and we cannot afford to lose lives in this river," he said.
Nevondo claims that he has been desperately trying to get something done by the municipality since July this year, but was told that no budget was available yet for the bridge.
Thulamela Municipality's spokesperson, Mr Nndwamato Tshila, responded to this newspaper's enquiry. "We cannot build a bridge where there is no road. It is not in our IDP (Integrated Development Plan) budget. All we can do is to assist the village by putting in pipes, so that the community can safely cross the river," he said.
The Magoma Foundation in the Vondo area is also calling for any donations, so that the footbridge can be completed before the rainy season starts.