Community appeal to open critical Sheffield link road

The planned community-led bridge clearance near Ballito Crushers has been delayed but will still happen later this week depending on weather conditions.

Huge amounts of mud and debris washed down the Mhlali River on April 11, making the bridge linking the P228 (which goes past Flag Farm) and the P467 (between the R102 and the N2) impassable.

Much of the road was washed away too and it has taken efforts by the Flag Farm team in their personal capacity to make it drivable.

Initially, a work party was planned for Tuesday, April 19, but the water table was still too high for graders and other heavy machinery to operate.

“Although we are so grateful to everyone who turned out, obviously safety was our main priority. We are very happy to announce that a few big players have come on board for later this week, by which time the water would hopefully have dropped,” said Flag Farm co-owner, Genevieve Chisholm.

Residents who want to help will still be able to later this week, with updates being posted by Chisholm on the Dolphin Coast Neighbours Facebook group.

Those attending should bring rope, chain saws, spades, gloves, food, drinks and a willing attitude to clear the blockage and reopen the road.

For those worried about the animals at Flag Farm, Chisholm said they were proactive in providing shelter and they have even taken on 2 new ostriches this week.

“We did lose our bottom dam which was difficult, but all of our animals have thankfully remained safe,” she said.