Qacha’s Nek, Feb. 12 — Prolonged and relentless rainfall has left the Matebeng, Ha Lelingoana river bridge in Qacha’s Nek impassable, severing a vital transport link between Qacha’s Nek and Sehonghong in Thaba-Tseka.
Vehicles can no longer cross, forcing commuters to use risky alternative routes.
By Wednesday, passenger travel had become increasingly difficult. Taxis from Matebeng were unable to pass through and were forced to drop passengers at Ha Lelingoana.
Commuters must now walk nearly 50 kilometres to a nearby footbridge and search for vehicles waiting on the opposite side at Ha Sekhaupane to continue their journey.
Travelers from Thaba-Tseka toward Matebeng face the same ordeal.
Speaking to the Agency on Thursday, Matebeng Councillor, Mrs. Nothobile Sekhothi said the river had burst its banks and washed away parts of the bridge.
“Though the walking distance is not long, the path is unsafe. A single slip could cause someone to fall into the river,” she warned.
Mrs. Sekhothi said she had received reports that the Thaba-Tseka District Council had been notified and that plans to address the situation were underway. However, she described the incident as a disaster that requires urgent intervention.
“We are waiting with hope because this must be addressed. The continuous rainfall is only making the situation worse,” she said, appealing to the government for swift action.
She further expressed concern over the safety of commuters who often arrive late at night.
“Vehicles from Thaba-Tseka arrive very late, so being forced to get off before reaching the destination is extremely dangerous and puts lives at risk,” she said.
The ’Melikane Taxi Association inspector, Seabata Machoba, echoed the concerns, urging relevant authorities to act without delay.
“Transportation is already difficult. Even though commuters are using the footpath, it is not in good condition. Reaching the vehicles on the other side is not easy, and as the rains continue, conditions worsen,” he said.
He stressed that service delivery should be prioritised.
“We should not have to report such issues. Those responsible should be proactive and ensure infrastructure is maintained before disasters strike. Everyone must do their job,” he added.
Qacha’s Nek has experienced persistent rainfall in recent weeks, accompanied by hailstorms and lightning. In Matebeng, two households were struck by lightning.
Other villages, including Sehlabathebe and Motse-Mocha, have suffered hail damage, with livestock injured, crops destroyed and roads damaged.
As the rains continue to pound the district, communities remain stranded, vulnerable, and waiting.
What was once a simple commute has become a daily risk, and unless urgent action is taken, the cost may be far greater than inconvenience.
For the people of Matebeng, restoring the bridge is not just about transport; it is about safety, survival, and reconnecting communities to opportunity.
Ends/MM/tl
