Residents of Mafarafara village outside Burgersfort in Limpopo, South Africa, are struggling to access healthcare services after a makeshift bridge across the Steelpoort River, also known as the Tubatse River, was washed away by heavy rains. The community-built crossing, made from corrugated iron, wooden poles, wire, and metal rods, lasted less than five months. The bridge's collapse has revived concerns about the community's limited access to healthcare.
The Mafarafara community has no clinic and relies on Taung Clinic in Ga-Taung, about six to seven kilometers away. Using alternative routes to reach healthcare can cost residents up to R160 for a return trip when using public transport. Before the makeshift bridge was built, residents used a 'sewaiwai' - a steel cart tied to ropes on both sides of the river and pulled across by villagers. However, the cart was damaged and is no longer in use.
In July, residents built the makeshift bridge after 27 years of requesting a permanent crossing from their local municipality. The construction was a community effort, with residents contributing R5 per crossing and local helpers assisting with belongings and crossing. However, the bridge's recent collapse has left residents without a safe crossing, and they plan to rebuild but fear another collapse.
The collapse of the makeshift bridge has also affected home-based care services in Mafarafara. Home-based carers who deliver chronic medication, monitor pregnant women, and support bedridden patients have temporarily suspended services due to the flooded river. This may result in patients not accessing healthcare, especially high-risk pregnant women who are not being followed up.
Kamogelo, a home-based carer in Mafarafara, expressed concerns about the impact on patients' health. She mentioned that family-planning and follow-up visits have declined over the past month. The community is in dire need of a reliable and safe crossing to access healthcare services.
Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality representatives are exploring possible interventions, including mobile health services. Mayor Eddie Maila has approached Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba and the provincial health department for assistance. The municipality built another access bridge about a kilometer from the affected crossing in 2018, but residents say it is too far for sick and elderly people.
Community members, such as Melvin Serola, are frustrated with the delays and want to rebuild the crossing themselves. They have been waiting for a clinic for over 27 years and doubt that a permanent bridge will be built soon. Residents are seeking assistance to build a safe and durable crossing to ensure they can access healthcare services.
Key points
- The makeshift bridge's collapse has revived concerns about the community's limited access to healthcare services in Mafarafara village.
- Residents built the makeshift bridge in July after 27 years of requesting a permanent crossing from their local municipality.
- The bridge's collapse has affected home-based care services, with carers suspending services due to the flooded river.
