Vondo footbridge gives community a hopeful path
The previous makeshift bridge was also located near the sacred Thathe Vondo forests, which span the Mutshundudi River and posed significant safety hazards to pedestrians
LIMPOPO – The official opening of the Vondo footbridge, which was a struggle to cross in the overflow of the Mutshundudi River during heavy rainfall, was held by the South African Forestry Company Limited (Safcol) in conjunction with Khoroni Hotel on Thursday.
The bridge, which will enable learners to cross safely to school and give the community access to the R523 to Thohoyandou and Louis Trichardt, replaced the unsafe makeshift structure that had long been a concern to the local community of Vondo and surrounding villages.
The previous makeshift bridge was also located near the sacred Thathe Vondo forests, which span the Mutshundudi River and posed significant safety hazards to pedestrians.
According to villagers, they have for years requested the Thulamela Municipality to build a footbridge across the river, but heard that the bridge was not in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for this financial year either. They then decided to raise the monies themselves.
“We were so excited to be able to finally do it ourselves. We went back to the community for contributions and managed to raise R25 000. We then approached Safcol and Khoroni Hotel to meet us halfway,” said Simon Nevondo, spokesperson for the local traditional leader of Vondo village.
Nevondo said the community could not wait for the municipality any longer. “In less than three months, we will be experiencing rain and we cannot afford to lose lives in this river one more day,” he said.
Project manager for Safcol, Bobson Nxumalo said together with Khoroni Hotel, they appointed a contractor, Ndivhuwo Tshikosi of the Tshiko Business Enterprise to construct the footbridge.
“We hope the bridge would be in good order for some years, helping the community to cross the Mutshundudi River safely. The bridge was certified safe by engineers,” he added.
Vhamusanda Muonyolosi Budeli, representing the Tshivhase dynasty, said he was thankful to Safcol and Khoroni for building the footbridge, which will go a long the way in helping learners and the community during heavy rainfall seasons. He encouraged villagers to look after the bridge, saying it should last for years to come.
