Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Spaski Geldenhuis and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Palesa Mpele. See attached pictures here, here, and here.
Residents of Ward 17 and communities south of the Vals River are waiting for a response from Moqhaka Municipality to my urgent letter submitted to the Municipal Manager on 10 March 2026.
The pedestrian bridge between Kroonstad Country Club and Botha Street is currently in a dangerous state, with two of its eight cables completely broken and others severely damaged. This bridge is not only a vital pedestrian crossing but also carries the main electricity supply line for thousands of residents. The risk of collapse is real, and the consequences would be catastrophic.
Immediate action is critical. The municipality must act now to protect residents and keep essential services running. Each day without intervention increases danger.
We call on the municipality to:
- Provide immediate clarity on engineering assessments and repair timelines.
- Confirm contingency plans to prevent a blackout should the bridge fail.
- Ensure public safety by restricting access until the structure is secured.
- Secure funding urgently to restore this critical infrastructure.
The community deserves transparency, swift action, and assurance that their safety is prioritised. We await the municipality’s response and will continue to press for accountability until this matter is resolved.