Mpunzi needs lifeline bridge
The bridge connects two Amakhosi areas, and also Ward 30 and 36 in Ray Nkonyeni Municipality.
Residents of Mpunzi in the deep rural area of Izingolweni are concerned for the safety of their children and their own lives.
The pedestrian bridge over the Shongwe River was damaged by floods years ago, and people started to use a cement slab meant for vehicles.
However, the slab has also been damaged, with a large section having washed away from the recent heavy rains, and now neither people nor vehicles can get across.
This bridge connects two Amakhosi areas and Ward 30 and 36 in Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM).
Mandla Cele, a resident, said the municipality did investigate and then poured sand in the river.
He said a family was holding a funeral recently, and a truck came to deliver water, and it got damaged as it was leaving.
“Young children from Ward 30 attend school in Ward 36. They are struggling to cross because when it rains, the water level rises.”
Cele is pleading for help from the relevant authorities.
Another resident from Ward 36, Nu Diya, said the bridge was built about 20 years ago but was washed away.
“I believe a big bridge was supposed to be built here for both pedestrians and vehicles because this is a huge river.”
Diya said they have had incidents where people have fallen in; fortunately, no one has died.
She added that every morning, the adults have to help the children get across in the mornings and afternoons.
The acting spokesperson for RNM, Nomusa Zulu, said that the affected bridge is the responsibility of the Department of Transport.
She added that the community’s concerns will be shared with the department.
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