Limpopo residents fear for safety as key bridges fail

LIMPOPO – Residents in Bolobedu and Kgapane are calling on authorities to urgently address safety concerns after two key bridges in the area were severely damaged.

Mamphakhathi bridge shows cracks months after rebuild

Community members say the Mamphakhathi bridge in Bolobedu is already showing cracks and signs of deterioration just months after it was rebuilt.

The bridge connects residents to Modjadji Plaza, nearby villages, and the main road to Modjadjiskloof, and is used daily by taxis, motorists, and pedestrians travelling to work, school, and local businesses.

Residents say the cracks are worsening and fear the bridge could collapse again.

“We cross this bridge every day to go to work and take our children to school,” said one resident.

“Now we are scared because the cracks are getting bigger and nothing is being done.”

Although the bridge falls under the Greater Letaba Municipality, it was built by the Limpopo Department of Public Works as part of a provincial road.

Some residents have questioned the quality of the construction.

“It feels like the work was rushed, and now we are the ones who must risk our lives,” said another resident.

Local driver Moshe Lebepe said motorists are worried about using the bridge.

“As drivers, we depend on this road, but every time we cross, we fear it might give in while we are on it,” he said.

Residents claim minor crashes have already occurred and say the damage continues to worsen. Others have accused authorities of ignoring the problem.

“We voted for them to work for us,” said Melitah Mogale.

“If they don’t fix this bridge, we will meet them again at the voting stations.”

Collapsed Kgapane bridge forces longer routes

Meanwhile, another bridge near Modjadji Plaza in Kgapane collapsed after heavy rains and flooding in January.

The bridge served as a main route for residents and taxi drivers travelling between nearby villages.

Since the collapse, motorists have been forced to use longer alternative routes, increasing travel time and fuel costs.

“This road was our main route,” said a taxi driver. “Now we must drive far around, and it is affecting our work and income.”

Authorities have warned residents to stay away from the collapsed structure and to use safer alternative routes.

Engineers are expected to assess the damage and determine whether the construction met required standards.

Residents demand urgent government action

Residents say the damage to both bridges highlights serious infrastructure challenges in the area and are calling for urgent government intervention.

At the time of publication, attempts to obtain comment from the Limpopo Department of Public Works were unsuccessful.