Looking to your left you will find… a river. Flowing rapidly in all its magnificence.
But on your way back to Tzaneen, a peek over the bridge railings on the other side will paint an entirely different picture…
The river looks dry, empty, and covered in thick layers of plant material.
You know there must be water down there somewhere – after all, you just saw it from the other side.
But what’s happening here?
A variety of explanations has circulated among the local people… ranging from black-magic ceremonies being performed under the bridge, to the management of the lodge deliberately blocking up the river to chase away the fishermen.
So the Herald set out to find out what’s happening.
The plain and simple truth might not be as colorful as the rumors, but it does bring a certain peace of mind.
The river has been struggling throughout the droughts we’ve been seeing lately, and the current water level barely covers the foundations of the bridge itself.
This causes the Hyacinths and other plant life to block up at the base of the bridge, allowing the water to flow through underneath while leaving thick layers of material to collect on the surface.
Alfie Viljoen, manager of the Letaba Junction, stated that they have sought out ways to clear the river, and the government authorities have provided several drums of chemical treatment for the plants, but access to the center of the river has proven too hazardous to achieve success. He also mentioned that he has been given a rough estimation of the costs to mechanically remove the blockage, but the total adds up to between R150 000 and R200 000.
The best solution to the problem will be a gradual increase of the water levels to unclog the river naturally.
In the meantime, visitors are welcome to visit the Letaba Junction and see the “phenomenon” first hand from the decks.
The Hippo’s still make their daily appearances and don’t mind the aesthetics of their playground at all.
