BEREA, Feb.06 – Communities living around parts of Mahlatsa are struggling to access essential services following the partial collapse of the Tebe-tebe footbridge after heavy rains.
This was revealed by Ts’iame Electoral Division (ED) Community Councillor, Mr. Mokone Raliengoane, in an interview with the Lesotho News Agency on Friday.
Mr. Raliengoane said the Tebe-Tebe footbridge serves as a major link between Malimong and Khafung constituencies. He explained that the bridge sustained severe damage about three years ago when part of it was washed away by an overflowing river during a heavy rainstorm. Since then, the situation has remained life-threatening to the surrounding communities.
He highlighted that the most affected groups include primary and high school students, congregants attending Getsemane Roman Catholic Church, and patients who rely on Mahlatsa and Lenkoane Health Centres.
Mr. Raliengoane added that community members live in constant fear whenever it rains, especially when their children are still on the other side of the river, as the damaged bridge poses a serious danger.
He expressed hope that funds will be allocated for the rehabilitation of the footbridge during the 2026/2027 financial year to improve public safety.
Meanwhile, the councillor noted that out of the ten villages that make up Ts’iame ED, only two villages—Ha-Mahleke and Ha-Tjobe—remain inaccessible due to a lack of access roads. He said residents from these villages struggle to transport their goods, while patients are often carried on stretchers to nearby villages where vehicles can reach them.
Speaking separately, Ms. Itumeleng Makoto from Ha-Ts’epo said the lack of a functional footbridge across the Tebe-tebe River remains a major challenge for the community. She pointed out that during the rainy season, residents completely stop attending church for fear of losing their lives.
Ms. Makoto added that children frequently miss school during rainy periods due to the broken link between their villages and schools.
She said the community is looking forward to the rehabilitation of the footbridge to ensure their safety.
Ha-Ts’iame ED is located within Khafung constituency, with some of its villages extending into Makhoroana constituency.
Ends/RM/BM
