The rural village of uMhlwazi, located in KwaZulu-Natal’s uThukela district, remains severely isolated due to poor infrastructure and the absence of a bridge over the Indaka River, which runs through the community.

Residents face daily hardship trying to access essential services, with the village being several hours away from the nearest municipal centre in Ladysmith.The only access routes include a heavily potholed tar road followed by a difficult gravel track, making travel slow and difficult.The Indaka River is both a vital water source and a major danger for residents.With no formal water infrastructure, villagers rely directly on the river for drinking water and for livestock.

However, it has also been linked to at least six reported deaths over the years, including tragic drowning incidents involving both adults and schoolchildren.

Residents say children must often cross the river on foot to reach Mandlakhe High School, exposing them to strong currents and even fears of crocodile presence during rainy periods.As a result, some parents keep their children at home when weather conditions worsen.Community members also describe a lack of nearby healthcare facilities, unreliable cellphone reception, and overall social isolation.

In nearby Mbondwane, flood damage has further worsened access by destroying an existing bridge, forcing residents to carry children across unsafe river sections to reach schools.Funeral practices are also affected, with grieving families reportedly forced to carry coffins across the river due to the absence of infrastructure.

Despite previous government visits and promises of bridge construction, including reported sod-turning ceremonies by officials, residents say no meaningful progress has been made.

Local leaders and provincial oversight committees have called for accountability and urgent intervention, describing the situation as a serious failure of service delivery.