Isolated and ignored: Gumela village cut off as damaged bridge washes away

Residents of Gumela village in Limpopo have been cut off from surrounding communities after a bridge damaged during January’s floods has now been completely washed away.

The bridge situated 100 kilometres south of Musina partially collapsed during earlier flooding in the province.

Community members say the situation has been exacerbated by persistent heavy downpours in recent days.

Residents say government promised to repair the bridge following the initial floods, but that work has not yet begun.

One community member, who asked to remain anonymous, said the area has effectively been cut off, with people unable to cross safely.

She claims officials have not returned to the community since a visit by national and provincial leaders in January, which she describes as a public relations exercise.

“When the initial bridge collapsed, they promised to rebuild but nothing, no help, no visit. Nothing.”

Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service has warned that heavy rainfall could continue across parts of Limpopo until the end of the month.

The forecaster has also issued level two to level four weather warnings for several areas, raising concerns about further flooding.