The heavy rains that fell all over the country early this year left billions of rands in damage as bridges, roads and road infrastructure were swept away.

Some communities were cut off from the rest of the world, with some having their water supply totally cut off as water pipes were swept away.

The community of Nkavele outside Malamulele has not been spared. The main bridge connecting the rural village to the outside world is in a state of near collapse, and the road that connects the village to the main Punda Maria national road is full of huge potholes, which have become a big menace to the motorists. Now residents fear that if the bridge is not repaired before the rainy season, they will soon be cut off from the rest of the world.

Passing across the bridge is difficult as only one car can do so at a time and this has caused much confusion with motorists. Broken windscreens bear testimony to the ravaging conditions, indicating that accidents do happen at the bridge.

Resident Josias Khoza (55) said nothing had been done to repair the bridge after the heavy rains. "We are afraid that the rainy season is just around the corner. If this bridge is not repaired, we will soon be cut off from the rest of the country as it will not be possible for them to do some repairs during that time," he said.

He said he felt pity for those who did not know the road as they might lose their lives in accidents as a result of the bad road. Khoza also said that they were even afraid of driving there at night because anything could happen.

Pedestrians also use the bridge and the road.

Ms Martha Kubayi, who was with her children, fetching firewood on the other side of the bridge, said they always prayed that the bridge would not collapse when they were on the other side as they would not be able to go back home.

Roads and Transport spokesperson Mr Joshua Kwapa said the bridge was one of those affected by the heavy floods in Vhembe and Mopani earlier this year. "As a department, we are working very hard to fix such roads," said Kwapa.