The DA is deeply concerned by the failure of the Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure to reconstruct a collapsed bridge on the D2357 that joins the R511 to Elandskuil. View pictures here, here, here, here and view video here.
We have written to Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure MEC, Dickson Masemola, to urgently intervene and address this issue.
As a result of the failure to reconstruct the bridge, residents of Raphuti, Kuduskop, Phatsima, Mmamoraka, Jabulane and other surrounding areas are now forced to travel a much longer route and have to pay more for this longer trip. Residents are now paying an additional R30 for a round trip.
The longer trip’s cost coupled with the latest petrol price increases will make it harder for community members in the area that work at the mines to make ends meet as they must spend an additional R600 per month on transport.
The collapsed bridge has also negatively impacted economic activities in the area. Farmers and the mines who transport produce and commodities have to make a 70 kilometres roundtrip detour, which will adversely affect their profits.
The failure to address this collapsed bridge is affecting local economic development efforts and is unacceptable because that road could play a key role in encouraging economic activity and the accessibility of services. It should be a catalyst for job creation, particularly for the historically disadvantaged members of our society.
As a caring party, the DA is committed to ensuring service delivery and the improvement of infrastructure. We believe that a well-built bridge is a priority as it will ensure that the concerns of residents and businesses in the area are addressed.