The DA in Limpopo has written to Limpopo Public Works, Roads, and Infrastructure MEC, Nkakareng Rakgoale, to urgently address the collapse of the Mongwana bridge and the poor state of the D3901 road in Maruleng Municipality.
An oversight with DA Councillor Portia Moropane, revealed that the flimsy Mongwana bridge on the dilapidated D3901 road collapsed on the 11th of October when a truck used it, injuring the driver. View photos here, here and here.
This bridge connects Bismark village to nearby villages such as Bellville and Tickyline as well as the Mahlakung mall and Thusong centre. The bridge project was supposed to be completed in 2005, but was abandoned due to alleged poor workmanship and structural problems.
The area was declared a disaster area in 2015 due to heavy rains and flooding, this should have resulted in expediting the completion of the bridge project as well as addressing problems in the project, but this did not happen.
The D3901 road also poses a threat to road users as it is riddled with large potholes and there are no warning signs on the condition of the road. View photos here and here
Residents and vehicles are now forced to use a makeshift road to cross the river. This river becomes flooded during heavy rains and will put the lives of the residents at risk. Workers and learners also run the risk of missing work and school.
The DA has raised concerns regarding the state of the bridges in Limpopo on numerous occasions such as the poor state of the Kunap River bridge on the R518 road, the D2644 bridge and the failure to reconstruct the collapsed bridge on the D2357.
The collapse of the Mongwana bridge will negatively impact economic activities in the area and the accessibility of services for members of the communities. A well-built bridge is a priority for the area and Rakgoale must act immediately.
The DA is committed to ensuring that infrastructure is maintained to support economic development and ensure the safety of residents.