Botlokwa pedestrian bridge will save many lives
Following a series of deaths among the residents of Botlokwa in an attempt to cross the N1 North between Polokwane and Louis Trichardt, the construction of a pedestrian bridge is at long last underway.
Moyahabo Mabeba
LIMPOPO – Following a series of deaths among the residents of Botlokwa in an attempt to cross the N1 North between Polokwane and Louis Trichardt, the construction of a pedestrian bridge is at long last underway.
In various quarters of the rural close-knit community, villagers say they have breathed a sigh of relief that government has finally listened to them.
The multitudes are in agreement that on a daily basis, pedestrians in particular, are risking their own lives by crossing the busy highway.
The construction project at Botlokwa is among several pedestrian bridges to be erected across the province. These bridges connect communities and provide access to social amenities and markets.
The multimillion project has put smiles on the faces of the local rural villagers of Botlokwa who say they welcome the construction of a bridge that will enable them to safely access the local shopping mall.
The N1 boulevard, which stretches from Cape to Cairo, cuts across several villages in Botlokwa and plays a significant role in terms of the country’s gross domestic product through road transportation.
However, since the commencement of the project, there have been traffic jams at the intersection next to the local shopping complex.
Project manager at the South Africa National Road Agency Limited (Sanral) in the northern district, Willem van der Merwe, said once construction is complete, the traffic flow will return to normal.
“The decision to construct the overhead bridge is to save the lives of the local people who have been dying in large numbers. As Sanral, we are concerned about reports of many people dying on this particular spot.”
Deputy chairperson of the Machaka Tribal Authority, Morubula Bernard Sekwaila, said Sanral’s decision to build the bridge in the area was welcomed by many residents.
“We are very happy now that construction has begun in earnest. We have seen the design of the bridge and we are very impressed by it. When Sanral presented the rough sketch before construction, we did not hesitate to authorise it because it matches the standard we desire. We have wanted this for many years. Many people have been hit by speeding cars travelling between Polokwane and Louis Trichardt. We have lost an average of 20 lives each year.”
The bridge project has provided job opportunities in an area where unemployment is of alarming proportions. Workers are said to be earning between R4 000 and R6 000 per month.
One of the employees, Chris Kgoale, said: “The project is helping many families here. Since its commencement, we have seen many improvements in people’s lives. I am personally grateful about this”.
thoko@nmgroup.co.za
