– The condition of the bridge between Mapareng and Malaeneng poses a serious danger to residents
– Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality has failed to act and residents use makeshift pedestrian bridge and 10km detour for vehicles
– The DA calls on Municipal Manager, Mogaramedi Makgata, to urgently repair the bridge
The DA in Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality will write to Municipal Manager, Mogaramedi Makgata to urgently intervene and assist communities of Mapareng and Malaeneng by repairing the bridge between the two villages.
An oversight inspection revealed that the only road between Mapareng and Malaeneng is no longer driveable as the bridge over the river was destroyed by flood water during heavy rains in February 2026. The impassable bridge has resulted in the use of a rickety makeshift pedestrian bridge and also now forces local residents to drive a detour of more than 10 km. View photos here, here, here and here.
Although disaster funds were allocated to the municipality to address the flooding, it never reached these remote villages. The municipality has also previously visited the site and they have left without any resolution.
The dilapidated makeshift pedestrian bridge is also a cause of great concern as it presents a dangerous risk for residents and learners from Malaeneng who need to cross the bridge daily to attend the secondary school in Mapareng.
With the rainy season approaching, this river will become more treacherous to cross and will pose more of a risk to residents. The danger the residents are being exposed to is a clear example of this ANC- led municipality’s negligence and failure to maintain critical municipal infrastructure.
The DA will continue to monitor this situation and follow up on the matter to ensure action is taken without further delay.