Makhuduthamaga communities demand proper road and critical bridge

JANE FURSE – Frustration boils over at Dichoeung and Moretsele Villages in Jane Furse, as residents accuse Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM) of neglecting their pleas for a proper road and critical bridge connecting the two villages.

The community told the paper that lack of a critical bridge and proper road infrastructure has turned their daily commute into a nightmare, with the river between the villages overflowing annually and rendering the road impassable.

Residents claim despite previous attempts to address the issue, the municipality’s efforts have been inadequate.

“We have approached the municipality multiple times, demanding a bridge and proper road, but they have failed us. They just re-gravelled the road, and it washed away again. Where is the commitment?” asked a community member, Irene Ngwatladi.

According to Ngwatladi, the lack of bridge affects a broader community including other villages such as Matholokane and Moraba, who are also crying out for relief.

Accidents on the hazardous road that links the villages have become a grim reality, with residents risking their lives daily.

“We are not just talking about a road, we are talking about lives. The municipality needs to prioritize our safety and well-being,” Ngwatladi emphasized.

The road serves as a lifeline for schools, clinics, and other government institutions.

“We are trapped. Every time it rains, we are cut off from the world. Schoolchildren can’t attend classes, ambulances can’t reach us, and we are forced to risk our lives just to get basic necessities,” Ngwatladi said, expressing concern over the safety of residents, particularly children.

Makhuduthamaga Municipality has yet to respond to the paper’s enquiry.