BY SIPHOSETHU MABUZA
SIPHOFANENI – Nine pedestrian bridges, three clean-water systems and five school boreholes are planned for construction in Eswatini in 2027, as the government’s Microprojects Programme and Engineers in Action prepare to expand their infrastructure partnership.
The plans were highlighted during the official opening of the Nkosinatsi Suspension Footbridge in Siphofaneni on Friday, where Minister of Economic Planning and Development Dr Thambo Gina pointed to the partnership’s growth as an example of what can be achieved through cooperation between government, technical partners and local communities.
The proposed projects are expected to extend the programme’s reach beyond bridge construction, with a focus on improving access to essential services and strengthening water provision in schools.
For communities where rivers can become dangerous barriers during heavy rainfall, pedestrian bridges can offer safer routes to schools, health facilities, markets and other services. Meanwhile, clean-water systems and school boreholes could help address water-access challenges in learning environments.
The planned expansion comes as Engineers in Action approaches its 10th year of operating in Eswatini in 2027. Since the partnership began with a pilot bridge in Edlangeni in 2017, Microprojects and Engineers in Action have constructed 44 pedestrian bridges across 34 Tinkhundla, reaching approximately 117 000 beneficiaries, according to information shared by the ministry.
The partnership has also completed five clean-water systems at schools across five Tinkhundla, benefiting about 1 500 schoolchildren. Gina said the programme’s growth demonstrated the value of bringing together government, development partners, technical professionals and communities to deliver infrastructure.
While the 2027 projects remain plans, their implementation would build on the partnership’s existing work in rural access and water provision. The next phase will place renewed attention on communities that need safer routes and schools requiring improved access to water. The expansion will also test the partnership’s ability to turn its proposed projects into lasting infrastructure that responds to local needs.
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