“Thank you Komani News”: Tylden bridge finally cleared

Residents in Tylden have welcomed the clearing of debris beneath the Swart Kei River bridge after years of frustration and repeated flooding concerns, with some community members thanking Komani News for helping bring attention to the issue.

The development comes after Komani News reported earlier this year that the bridge near Tylden village had become partially submerged following heavy rains, with residents warning that logs, vegetation and other debris had built up beneath the structure and were affecting the flow of water.

At the time, residents feared that continued rainfall could worsen the situation and potentially cut off access for farmers, workers, school transport and emergency services using the route.

Now, residents say work has finally begun.

A local resident told Komani News on Wednesday evening that the bridge had been cleared and that tipper trucks were seen transporting and dumping gravel near the roadway as work continued in the area.

According to the resident, the bridge had effectively remained blocked for nearly two years following previous heavy rains, with debris accumulating over time and no major clearing work taking place.

“It hasn’t been properly cleared in ages,” the resident said.

The resident thanked Komani News for highlighting the issue and helping bring wider attention to the concerns raised by the community.

The Eastern Cape Department of Transport had previously confirmed to Komani News that teams were assessing damaged infrastructure across the province and that debris removal at the Tylden bridge was considered an immediate priority.

Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose previously said the department intended to remove debris beneath the bridge to improve water flow and repair affected approaches connected to the roadway.

For many residents, the latest developments are about more than just a bridge being cleared. Community members say it shows the importance of local residents speaking out and local media continuing to report on issues affecting smaller towns and rural areas that are often overlooked.

Komani News was created to highlight service delivery problems, infrastructure concerns and community issues affecting towns across the region. While not every issue is resolved immediately, residents say the Tylden bridge situation shows how public attention and consistent reporting can help place pressure on authorities to respond.

Residents are expected to provide photographs of the cleared bridge and ongoing road works in the coming days.