BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
KANDEVA – A long-standing challenge that forced families and schoolchildren to brave the dangerous waters of the Nkomanzi River has finally come to an end following the launch of the E1.4 million Tintfutfwini Suspended Footbridge, a transformative project set to improve safety, connectivity and livelihoods for communities in the Nkhaba and Pigg’s Peak constituencies.
The 92-metre suspended footbridge was officially launched through the Microprojects Programme under the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development in partnership with Engineers in Action (EIA). Built across the Nkomanzi River, which flows downstream into the Maguga Dam, the bridge replaces an ageing and hazardous crossing that had become a daily danger for residents. During the rainy season, the fast-flowing river frequently became impassable, isolating communities and forcing many people to risk their lives to reach schools, clinics, places of worship and local markets.
For the people of kaNdeva and Hlalakahle, the new bridge is more than just a piece of infrastructure. It is a lifeline that reconnects communities, restores safe access to essential services and strengthens economic and social ties between the Nkhaba and Pigg’s Peak constituencies.
Among the biggest beneficiaries are more than 75 learners from Luhhumaneni Primary School, who previously crossed the river under dangerous conditions to attend classes. The new bridge now provides them with a safe and reliable route throughout the year, giving parents peace of mind and helping to ensure uninterrupted access to education.
Speaking during the launch ceremony, Microprojects Programme Director Sibusiso T. Mbingo said the project demonstrates government’s commitment to delivering infrastructure that directly improves the lives of vulnerable communities.
“This bridge was designed to serve the people, especially schoolchildren and other vulnerable members of the community. It is an investment in safety, education and dignity, ensuring that residents can cross the river without fear while improving access to essential services,” said Mbingo.
He said the Tintfutfwini Suspended Footbridge would help unlock development opportunities by improving access to schools, healthcare facilities, businesses and government services while strengthening resilience in rural communities.
Engineers in Action Eswatini Country Programme Manager Ana Jovanović described the project as a powerful example of what can be achieved through collaboration, thanking government, community leaders and residents for their support from planning through to completion.
“This achievement reflects the strength of partnership and a shared commitment to improving people’s lives. We are grateful to everyone who played a role in making this bridge a reality, and we believe it will continue serving these communities for generations,” she said.
Speaker of the House of Assembly and Pigg’s Peak Member of Parliament Jabulani ‘Buy Cash’ Mabuza applauded the Microprojects Programme and Engineers in Action for delivering what he described as a life-changing investment for the region.
“This bridge represents hope and progress for our people. It will protect our children, improve movement between communities and create opportunities for economic growth and social development,” Mabuza said.
Nkhaba Member of Parliament Hope Shiba said the completion of the project marked the end of years of hardship experienced by residents who depended on the old crossing.
“The previous footbridge posed a serious danger to everyone who used it. Today our communities have been given a safe and reliable crossing that restores confidence and improves the quality of life for our people,” Shiba said.
The Tintfutfwini Suspended Footbridge is one of the latest community infrastructure projects being implemented under the Microprojects Programme to improve rural livelihoods across Eswatini. By providing safe, year-round access across the Nkomanzi River, the bridge is expected to boost school attendance, improve access to healthcare and markets, strengthen local economic activity and enhance social inclusion for communities on both sides of the river.
For the residents of kaNdeva and Hlalakahle, the bridge stands not only as an engineering achievement but also as a lasting symbol of hope, partnership and government’s commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind in Eswatini’s development journey.
(Courtesy Pic)
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