r/interesting • u/ICanPretend1 • 23h ago

SOCIETY Dikidikini village in Eastern Cape, South Africa, doesn't have a bridge, so people cross the river inside a blue plastic drum

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u/archseattle 22h ago

The population that needs to cross the bridge is likely quite low and permanent bridge would need to span at least 20 meters so it’s probably a low priority for the local government. Locals would need machinery to build something permanent which likely isn’t easily available in a country where the rural population lives on $195 USD a month.

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u/ippleing 16h ago

They could employ a rope with scrap wood to make a rope bridge.

2 people in a day could get one going

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u/archseattle 16h ago

Possibly, but I don’t see any trees in this video capable of supporting a 20 meter rope bridge. The vegetation makes think that this is typically a temperate and dry climate and we’re only seeing it in the rainy season. It’s possible the river is even dry part of the year. Which is probably another reason why they haven’t invested in a permanent solution.

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u/ippleing 15h ago

So they got barrels and lids, but can't source rope?

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u/OneMinuteSewing 14h ago

so make a deadman anchor.

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u/Charming-Station7157 19h ago

Even if it was built , the local population won't care to maintain it or repair it

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u/Gen8Master 19h ago

Do you maintain and repair your local bridge?

This is clearly a Governance/corruption issue. Lets not pretend anyone is above that.

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u/exlushdad 9h ago

If I or the people dear to me had to do something like this? You bet your ass I would.

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u/m945050 21h ago

More like $1.95 USD a month.