Qacha’snek, Feb. 11- Prolonged and relentless rainfall has left the Matebeng–Ha Lelingoana river bridge in Qacha’s Nek impassable, severing a vital transport link between Matebeng and Sehonghong in Thaba-Tseka.
The damaged bridge has cut off access between Matebeng and Sehonghong, leaving vehicles unable to cross and forcing commuters to use risky alternative routes.
By Wednesday, passenger travel had become increasingly difficult, with taxis from Matebeng unable to proceed beyond Ha Lelingoana. Operators are now dropping passengers off before the river crossing, compelling them to walk nearly 50 kilometres to a nearby footbridge. From there, commuters must search for vehicles waiting on the opposite side at Ha Sekhaupane to continue their journeys.
Travellers from Thaba-Tseka heading toward Matebeng face similar challenges.
Speaking to the Lesotho News Agency on Thursday, Matebeng Councillor Mrs. Nothobile Sekhothi said the river had burst its banks and washed away sections 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 requiring 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 government authorities for swift action.
She also expressed concern about the safety of commuters who often arrive late at night.
“Vehicles from Thaba-Tseka arrive very late, so being forced to disembark before reaching their destination is extremely dangerous and puts lives at risk,” she added.
’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 vehicles on the other side is not easy, and as the rains continue, conditions worsen,” he said.
Mr. Machoba stressed that infrastructure maintenance should be prioritised to prevent such crises…
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