Tylden Bridge at Risk: Residents Warn Municipality Urgent Action Needed

Tylden Bridge Safety Fears Grow as Residents Await Municipal Response

Tylden residents and farmers have raised urgent concerns over the condition of the Tylden Bridge over the Swart Kei River, warning that a lack of maintenance could place lives, livelihoods and access routes at risk — while the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality has yet to respond to requests for comment.

The bridge, located below Tylden Mission and serving as a critical access point for farmers, emergency services and local residents, is reportedly obstructed by a heavy build-up of debris, including large logs and vegetation. According to information provided to Komani News, the debris is blocking most of the water flow openings beneath the bridge.

Residents say the problem becomes particularly dangerous during heavy rainfall originating from the Whittlesea catchment area, where water flows down into the Swart Kei River. During heavy rains earlier this year, the bridge was reportedly submerged for several days, cutting off access entirely.

Only Access Route at Risk

Community members say the bridge is the only viable route connecting farms to Tylden village, making it essential for:

• SAPS vehicles responding to incidents,

• Security companies servicing farms,

• Transport of farm workers,

• Movement of livestock and agricultural goods.

When the bridge floods, access is reportedly impossible, leaving farmers and residents isolated and emergency response delayed.

“There is real fear that if the debris is not cleared before the next major rainfall, the pressure could damage or even collapse the bridge,” a resident involved in raising the alert told Komani News.

Maintenance Concerns Raised

Residents argue that routine inspections and basic maintenance could have prevented the situation from escalating. They say the debris has been building up over a long period and has now reached a point where clearing it would require heavy machinery such as a TLB or excavator.

Photographs and video footage taken this week and seen by Komani News show a visible accumulation of logs and debris pressed against one side of the bridge, with limited space left for water to pass through.

In addition to the bridge, residents have also raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of the Tylden gravel road and ongoing service delivery challenges in the area, including water access.

Municipality Yet to Respond

Komani News formally requested comment from the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, asking:

• Whether the Tylden Bridge falls under its responsibility,

• Whether regular inspections and maintenance are conducted,

• Whether an assessment or intervention is planned, and

• What steps are being taken to ensure public safety.

At the time of publication, no response had been received.

“Tylden Must Not Be Forgotten”

Residents say the lack of response adds to a growing sense that Tylden is being overlooked.

Community members are now calling on the municipality to urgently assess the bridge, clear the debris before the next heavy rains, and ensure that rural infrastructure receives the same attention as urban areas.

Komani News once again invites the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality to respond. Any comment received will be published in full.