EASTERN CAPE – Men from Emaqwambini locality in Mqanduli played a major role by fixing their bridge using their own money.
One of the community members, Bonga Valiphathwa (68), said they had decided to follow the government’s theme, Vukuzenzele.
He said their bridge was destroyed on 10 June during floods, which left a number of people dead in Mthatha. According to him, ever since then, they had tried to ask for help from King Sabatha Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality, but to no avail.
“We decided to stand up because with the school, we are struggling, and we have no one that we can run to. It is hard for us to go and get services when it is raining due to this. Even though the road is not in good condition, we decided to start with a bridge, and then we will see. We are hoping that when people see our work, they will be able to assist us because now we are busy pouring concrete so that it will be safe,” said Valiphathwa.
Another resident, Thethaphi Mhlontlo (60), said they have to cross this river in order for them to get services.
“If someone is sick, it is hard for the ambulance to come because we do not have a road or a bridge. By doing this, we are trying to show our desperation to those who are in power. We are appealing to local businesses to assist us because we have a shortage of cement to fulfil what we are doing,”said Mhlontlo.
Spokesperson for King Sabatha Dalindyebo Local Municipality, Sonwabo Mampoza, said they are aware of the situation in Ward 22.
According to him, the municipality had already begun work on the bridge, which is why the excavator and other municipal machinery were on site.
“Unfortunately, the excavator developed a mechanical problem and had to be taken for repairs. When it returned, it was reassigned to work on another bridge in the same ward, where it developed another issue. But this week, we will continue with the work, and everything is under control,” said Mampoza.
