GIYANI - Motorists in and around Ndhambi, Dzumeri are being asked to use alternative routes temporarily.
This is after the collapse of the bridge on the R529 on Friday. The bridge connects the towns of Giyani and Malamulele (and their surrounding areas) to Tzaneen and its surrounding areas.
Limpopo Public Works spokesperson Emmanuel Mongwe says the area has been cordoned off and has urged the public not to risk using that road. Mongwe has also warned those seeking alternative routes to be cautious when using the R81 as its bridges are also not stable.
"This is something we have not experienced in a while and so most of the bridges can't handle the pressure," he says. In January bridges in the Thabizimbi and Modimolle, both in the Waterberg district, collapsed due to heavy pressure.
The provincial Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure has declared a state of disaster to deal with the aftermath.
According to Mongwe, a budget has been approved by the Provincial legislature to deal with the disaster. He adds that maintenance teams are on standby, with a dedicated call centre where residents can call in the event of more bridges collapsing.
The north-east part of the province has been besieged by floods since Friday. With areas such has Mhinga village, close to the Punda Maria Kruger National Park gate; and surrounding areas under heavy flooding.
"This is a situation we haven't experienced in a very long time, and people need to be cautious," says Mongwe.
The department says they understand children have to get to school and people to work. They warn road users to not use roads in flooded areas.