Moshupa temporary diversion bridge collapses
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Tuesday April 9, 2019 18:01
The temporary culvert was constructed in 2016 after the village woke up to yet more shocking news of the main Hatsalatladi River Bridge having collapsed following heavy rainfall during the festive season in the same year. The incident saw two cars falling into the river leading to the temporary closure of the road that was later reopened the same year.
In an interview with the company that is responsible for refurbishing the Thamaga, Moshupa and Kanye road, Elsamex Construction safety officer Mmapula Keaikitse, told Mmegi that the diversion bridge was created when the main bridge collapsed. She said her company decided to engage a sub-contractor to build the bridge as it was overwhelmed by other responsibilities.
“This diversion was created temporarily after the main bridge collapsed to divert traffic whilst the main bridge is under construction. The target date for the main bridge is end of April this year. As you know, temporary structures are not as strong as the permanent one. I believe that the force of too much water swept the culvert off because it was narrow. That culvert was meant to allow cars travelling between Thamaga, Moshupa and Kanye to move freely,” she said.
The A10 road that connects Thamaga, Moshupa and Kanye has been temporarily barricaded the road for the safety of motorists and pedestrians till the main bridge is complete.
Keaikitse said fortunately, no accident occurred at the scene. She said that one driver saw the river flooding and immediately reported it to the police who immediately responded and shutdown the road.
She said even though the collapse of the temporary diversion might have inconvenienced them and affected the day’s construction of the road, they hoped to complete its construction on the set date.
She explained that they were currently monitoring the flowing river and if the water subsided they would pump out the remaining water and commence with completing the bridge. She further advised the public to use either Mogobane/Ranaka road or pass within Moshupa when heading to or from Kanye.