LIMPOPO – A tender to repair the Letaba Bridge on the R578 Selwane road, which links the Giyani and Phalaborwa municipalities, is expected to be issued soon, according to Sanral.

The bridge was severely damaged and shifted from its original position during the devastating floods that struck Limpopo in January.

The flooding caused widespread destruction, particularly in Mopani and Vhembe districts, and was later declared a national disaster.

Floodwaters deposited debris and displaced parts of the bridge to the side, which led to it being closed for heavy vehicles after being declared unsafe. The bridge remains closed to heavy vehicles; only small, light vehicles are allowed to cross it.

Commuters hit by rising transport costs

This has disrupted transport between Giyani and Phalaborwa, particularly affecting commuters who rely on public transport. Taxi and bus operators have been forced to use alternative routes, including the longer R529 road connecting to the R71 near Lenyenye, before proceeding to Phalaborwa.

The detour has increased travel distances and operational costs, leading to higher fares for passengers.

Commuters say the increased transport costs have made travel difficult. Agnes Ngobeni, who works in Phalaborwa and returns home to Giyani on weekends, said many people are struggling to afford public transport.

“It’s better to go by lift if you’re going to Phalaborwa because small cars are still allowed to pass through, rather than taking a taxi or bus, which is now too expensive due to the longer route,” she said.

Sanral finalising repair designs

Sanral media relations manager Lwando Mahlasela said the agency is currently finalising structural designs for the bridge repairs.

“The structural engineers are busy with the design to repair the bridge. After the design is complete, Sanral will issue a tender to the market to appoint a contractor to carry out the repairs. The construction tender is planned to be issued next month,” she said.

Letaba Bridge was not the only infrastructure impacted by the floods. Multiple low-water bridges either collapsed or washed away during the heavy rains, leading to several roads in Mopani district being temporarily closed, including sections of the R71 and R40 roads near Phalaborwa.