Ga-Malekane community waits endlessly for bridge construction

GA-MALEKANE

Residents of Ga-Malekane Makakatela Section in Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality (FTLM) Ward 27, have been left frustrated and helpless as they wait for the construction of a bridge that was promised to them years ago.

The bridge, which is supposed to link two villages, Ga-Masha and Ga-Malekane, has become a necessity for the community, especially during the rainy season when the river overflows, making it impossible for children to attend school.

Evans Mabowa, a community leader, expressed his disappointment and frustration with the municipality, particularly Mayor Eddie Maila, who he claims has failed to deliver on the promise to construct the bridge.

“The bridge was supposed to be constructed long before the administration of Eddie Maila. However, when the municipality introduced a new mayor in the Traditional Council in 2022, we did tell him about the need for the bridge, but nothing has happened till today,” he said.

Mabowa said residents are worried that lack of a bridge has severe consequences for the community, especially children who attend Ngwanathulare Primary School and Nkotwane Secondary School.

“During the rainy season, the children are forced to skip their lessons because the river is overflowing, and they cannot cross,” he said.

Mabowa further expressed the community’s frustration with the lack of service delivery and unfinished projects in the area.

“We have been complaining about the lack of service delivery and unfinished projects, such as water reticulation and toilets, but nothing seems to change,” he said.

“We’ve given up on protesting because it doesn’t seem to help the community. Our solution now is to mobilize the residents to vote out the ruling party and elect young, energetic leaders with the capacity to solve our problems,” said Mabowa.

He said the community is urging the municipality to prioritize the construction of the bridge and address the service delivery challenges they are facing.

 “As the rainy season continues, the community’s plight is likely to worsen unless immediate action is taken,” concluded Mabowa.

At the time of going to press, FTLM could not respond to enquiries sent by the publication.