Multi-million rand bridge-building operation underway
Villagers cross two rivers to visit neighbouring villages but when heavy rains cause the rivers to overflow, they are trapped; once the bridges are built, they will be able to get to other villages safely
LIMPOPO – Two multi-million rand projects are currently underway in Ga-Ntata village in Bolobedu. Construction is in progress to build two bridges which will make travelling to and from the village safer in periods of heavy rains.
According to Project Steering Committee Chairperson, David Mothomogolo, the construction of the two bridges follows after residents from Ga-Ntata village could not cross the two rivers due to them overflowing and it being unsafe during heavy rains. He indicated that the community of Ga-Ntata is concerned because initially, in terms of project specification, the road from Mamatlepa to Belleview village is supposed to be tarred, but now there is a report that it would only be re-gravelled. He said they approached the Greater Letaba Municipality for clarity on the matter but were only told not to worry.
“Our biggest concern is that the road will be damaged in heavy rains, leaving us back at square one,” Mothomogolo said.
The community of Ga-Ntata appealed to the Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL), local headman and Modjadji Traditional Authority to resolve some of their concerns about a piece of land where surveyors marked that the road will have to cut a piece into the yard of a local brick factory.
Mothomogolo added that 11 farmers will receive compensation as the road will have to pass through their land. Following these concerns, the community called for the remaining challenges which may hamper the construction of the bridge and the road to be resolved as a matter of urgency before heavy rains could leave them stranded again.
