Tsang promises immediate road maintenance after Tibiti residents’ protest

The repair work on the Tibitibrug must also be accelerated. The pledges followed an inspection visit on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, after residents had barricaded the road in protest over the poor infrastructure.

The situation has major consequences for the community. Due to the poor condition of the road, bus transport between Tibiti and Witagron has come to a standstill, meaning schoolchildren have been unable to attend classes for a week and a half. Residents are also seriously concerned about the safety of the Tibitibrug, which is regularly used by heavy freight traffic transporting logs.

According to the community, there is a risk that the bridge structure will sustain further damage and ultimately collapse. Residents refer to the earlier collapse of a bridge near Witagron. The continuing problems prompted them to barricade the road and demand the government’s attention.

Contractor ordered to repair road

Minister Tsang said he was informed about the problems on Sunday, November 1. The contractor responsible for maintenance of the Para-Tibiti road section has now also been instructed to address the section between Tibiti and Witagron.

Additional material will be applied to the worst sections of the road to make the connection passable again. According to the minister, maintenance must be carried out immediately so that traffic, including school transport, can resume.

Repair of Tibitibrug awaits approval

During the visit, the minister observed that the underside of the Tibitibrug in particular is in poor condition. According to Tsang, the tender process for repairs to both the Tibitibrug and the bridge at Witagron has already taken place.

However, implementation was delayed by financial obstacles. According to the minister, these have now been resolved. The ministry is now awaiting approval from the Raad van Ministers (Council of Ministers).

“As soon as the Raad van Ministers gives its approval, the contractor can start work within a month,” Tsang said.

A definitive start date for the repair work has therefore not yet been set.

Restriction on heavy freight traffic

Pending the repairs, safety measures are being taken to prevent further damage to the Tibitibrug. Trucks with an axle load of more than five tonnes will temporarily not be allowed to use the bridge.

The ministry will issue official announcements on this matter.

Tsang also announced that work is under way on legislation requiring timber transporters to contribute to the maintenance of roads and bridges through toll charges. According to the minister, heavy timber transport places considerable pressure on the infrastructure.

“We are already working on the law and believe the law will be completed at the beginning of next year,” he said. The minister is therefore aiming to finalise the legislation in early 2027.

Residents lift road blockade

Following consultations with the minister and the pledges on road maintenance and bridge repairs, residents decided to lift the road blockade.

The community is now awaiting the actual implementation of the announced work. Repairing the road connection is particularly urgent so that children can return to school and regular transport between Tibiti and Witagron can resume.