BY THEMBA ZWANE
BULEKENI– Government, through Microprojects under the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, has launched a footbridge valued at over E1.4 million at Bulekeni under Zombodze Emuva.
Microprojects supported the development initiative with E1 441 652.30, with additional support from a United States of America-based non-governmental organisation, Engineers in Action. The suspended footbridge will span 800 metres.
Microprojects/Engineers in Action Community Development Officer Mduduzi Mdluli delivered a letter from Microprojects Director Tim Mbingo, which was read to the Ebulekeni community by a member of the organising committee. In the communiqué, Mbingo stated that following an application by the community leadership, management approved the construction of the footbridge and allocated the required funding.
Mdluli expressed optimism that the launch of the project would bring happiness to the residents.
“We request your collaboration as a community. We also ask residents to respect this project because we are working together with a USA-based organisation that is supporting us,” he said.
He added that if community members embraced and took ownership of the project, it would demonstrate that the Umphatsi appreciated the development milestone.
However, Mdluli warned that a lack of enthusiasm or appreciation could set a bad precedent and negatively affect the chances of other communities receiving similar assistance.
“We appeal to the people of this community not to steal or be negligent, which could result in thugs stealing government building tools and materials such as cement bags. We have informed community committee members that such actions would tarnish the image of this community,” he said.
Mdluli noted that Microprojects was aware of the challenges faced by the community and explained that their regulations required at least 70% of the benefiting homesteads to be represented during the official launch.
He further stated that residents, government officials, and Engineers in Action personnel would work on the construction of the footbridge on weekdays from 8am to 4pm.
In line with Microprojects’ requirements, the community is expected to contribute 10% of the project cost through manpower and financial input. Mdluli said residents would contribute by collecting rocks, supplying construction sand, and preparing food for community workers.
