Videos of a homemade wooden “boom”-gate toll have recently gained attention on TikTok, leaving many viewers puzzled due to a lack of context. The unusual tollgate was set up by a resourceful Mpumalanga farmer between Chrissiesmeer and Carolina, who saw an opportunity to assist motorists while making a profit after a major road collapse.
Road Collapse Forces Closure
The P177 road connecting the two towns was shut down following the failure of a corrugated metal culvert bridge on December 28. The collapse caused significant damage to the road, prompting immediate closure for public safety. While repairs are ongoing, authorities have not provided any clear timeline for when the road will be reopened.
Alternative Route Presents Challenges
In the interim, traffic has been diverted through the Carolina/Breyten route, which, besides being longer, is plagued by potholes, increasing travel time and inconvenience for motorists. The detour adds both financial and time burdens on road users, many of whom rely on the P177 road for daily commuting or business transportation. Despite concerns raised by residents and motorists, there has been little visible progress in the repairs, fueling frustration in the local community.
Mpumalanga Farmer Provides a Solution
Seeing an opportunity to provide an alternative route, a local farmer took matters into his own hands. Using his private land, he created a bypass around the damaged section, allowing motorists to avoid the troubled Carolina/Breyten route. To control access to this private road, he installed a makeshift wooden gate, which quickly became known as a tollgate among locals and social media users alike.
Toll Fees and Motorist Reactions
To use this private passage, motorists must pay a fee of R20 for regular vehicles and R50 for trucks. While some may question the legitimacy of the charge, many drivers prefer paying the fee to using the alternative, pothole-riddled route. Local resident Alet Cloete expressed her willingness to pay, considering it a preferable option compared to the deteriorating official detour. She noted that despite the unexpected cost, the smoother journey and reduced travel time made it a worthwhile expense.
Public Debate on Legality and Fairness
Reactions to the farmer’s initiative have been mixed. Some commend his ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit, arguing that he is providing a necessary service that the government has failed to deliver. Others, however, raise concerns about the legal implications of charging a toll on private land and whether safety measures are being adequately maintained along the route. Additionally, questions have emerged regarding the fairness of the fee, as some argue that residents should not have to pay for access to a road that they depend on daily.
Government’s Silence and Lack of Updates
Authorities, however, remain silent on the matter. Thapelo Phetla, spokesperson for the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality, stated that he had reached out to the provincial office and the Department of Public Works for updates on the road repairs. He directed inquiries to Public Works spokesperson Bongani Dhlamini, who was contacted on January 24 regarding the timeline, possible delays, and safety concerns.
Despite assurances that information would be provided, no further responses have been received. A follow-up email on January 28 also went unanswered, leaving residents and motorists uncertain about when the P177 road will be fully restored. The lack of communication from officials has only added to the frustration of road users who feel neglected by the government.
Broader Infrastructure Challenges
This situation highlights broader infrastructure challenges in the region. Road maintenance and timely repairs have long been a concern for South African motorists, with many roads suffering from years of neglect and poor upkeep. The collapse of the culvert bridge and the delayed repairs further illustrate the difficulties local governments face in maintaining essential infrastructure. Meanwhile, residents and businesses bear the brunt of these inefficiencies, forced to find alternative—and often costly—solutions to navigate failing road systems.
The Future of the Makeshift Tollgate
In the meantime, the farmer’s makeshift toll road remains an unconventional but practical solution for those seeking a smoother journey. Until authorities step in with a proper resolution, drivers will have to choose between a bumpy, pothole-filled route or paying a private landowner for a quicker and easier commute. Whether this innovative detour becomes a long-term fix or is eventually shut down remains to be seen, but for now, it serves as a reminder of the pressing need for improved infrastructure management in Mpumalanga.
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