VILLAGERS had long grappled with the dangers posed by an unsafe makeshift bridge which they had built themselves.
The makeshift structure crossing the Mushunduzi River had put the lives of Vondo villagers outside Thohoyandou, Limpopo, at risk, and it was no longer a viable crossing option.
The villagers said they have been struggling to move around to other villages as they must cross a dilapidated footbridge, which was no longer safe.
During heavy rainfalls, pupils failed to go to school, and workers couldn't go to work as the river, making the makeshift bridge unstable.
Some pupils even fell into the river but fortunately escaped with only injuries.
Left with no option, the villagers decided to contribute money in 2022, which amounted to R135 000, to build a proper footbridge for themselves.
Tshifhiwa Magoma of the Magoma Foundation said the money was not enough to build and complete a proper bridge.
“Villagers' lives were always in danger every time they crossed the bridge, but they had no choice. Some workers have lost their jobs because they couldn’t go to work during heavy rains as the river is dangerous, especially when it's full,” he said.
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Hearing the villagers’ cries, Khoroni Hotel, along with the South African Forestry Company Limited (Safcol), joined forces to address this critical issue.
Safcol project manager Bobson Nxumalo said they appointed a contractor, Ndivhuwo Tshikosi of Tshiko Business Enterprise, to construct the footbridge.
“We hope the bridge will remain stable for years, helping villagers cross the river safely,” he said.
Villagers were over the moon when the footbridge was completed and officially handed over to them recently.
“The bridge couldn’t have come at a better time as we enter the rainy season. Now we will cross the river without fear, and we're very thankful,” said Confidence Mabasa (37).
Tshivhase Royal Council chairman Muonyolosi Budeli said they're grateful for the bridge.
“It will go a long way in helping pupils and villagers during rainy seasons, and we encourage villagers to look after it as it should last for years,” he said.
