Work begins on R1.7m bridge between Greater Tzaneen villages
A R1.7 million bridge is being built between Mugwazeni and Akanani villages after residents repeatedly called for safe crossing.
TZANEEN – Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) Mayor Odas Ngobeni has officially introduced the contractor for the building of a R1.7 million culvert bridge between the villages of Mugwazeni and Akanani, aimed at improving safe access between the villages, particularly in times of heavy rainfall.
The project is funded through the municipal disaster response grant and will be implemented by Mosego Civil over three months, with completion expected by October 15.
Construction work will include site establishment, earthworks, the installation of rectangular portal culverts, as well as gabions and stone pitching to strengthen the structure and protect it from erosion.
ALSO READ: After years of delays, R3bn Dan City Mall finally breaks ground
Mayor fulfils promise
Ward 5 Councillor Mfichana Shingange welcomed the commencement of the project.
“The mayor is here today to fulfil the promise he made on June 5. During our quarterly community feedback meeting on Sunday, residents asked when he would return with feedback on the bridge. Today, that promise has been fulfilled,” said Shingange.
Meanwhile, the GTM DA has welcomed the project, describing it as a positive outcome following sustained community activism and repeated calls for municipal intervention.
According to DA PR Councillor Ngwako Mohonone, the bridge will also benefit residents and learners from nearby Nkambako, many of whom have faced dangerous journeys to schools and workplaces due to the lack of a safe crossing.
The party noted that learners attending Mugwazeni Secondary School, Nkambako Primary School and Akanani Primary School were among those most affected by the poor access.
The DA also commended residents for taking a stand and contributing their own labour and materials in an effort to draw attention to the long-standing infrastructure challenge.
While welcoming the appointment of a contractor, the opposition party said it would closely monitor the project to ensure it:
- Is delivered without unnecessary delays
- Is completed according to engineering specifications
- Remains within the approved R1.7 million budget
- Complies with all safety standards
