By Staff Reporter
MATHAVHELA-A bridge along the D3685 road in Thulamela Local Municipality has been washed away following recent heavy rains, leaving more than 20 villages cut off from essential services.
Communities including Matavhela, Mufulwi, Gwangwatini, Ngalavhani, Hamabila, Helula, Guyuni, Dzumbama, Hatshikovha, Tshitandani, Tshaanda, Tshamulungwi, Mafhohoni, Mavhode, Fefe, Gogogo and Tshikwadza say the road has completely collapsed due to flooding.
Residents say the destruction has effectively isolated their communities, disrupting daily life and limiting access to health services, schools and public transport.
The Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL) confirmed that two yellow-fleet machines dispatched to repair the damaged D3685 road became stuck in mud, forcing repair work to stop.
The approximately 35-kilometre gravel road, which has never been tarred, is the only access route for the affected villages.
Residents say the impact has been severe in villages such as Guyuni, Mafhohoni, Matavhela and Tshikwadza. Some schools have closed or are operating irregularly, public transport services have collapsed, and Guyuni Clinic has effectively been cut off, placing pregnant women, elderly residents and those with chronic illnesses at serious risk.
Community members also warn that ambulances and police vehicles are unable to reach the villages.
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