BY MBONGENI NDLELA
NHLANGANO – To address the growing challenges posed by recent floods, Minister of Public Works and Transport, Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe, led a comprehensive tour of key bridges and roads in the Shiselweni region on 15 January 2025.
The visit forms part of the ministry’s urgent response to the widespread infrastructure damage caused by unprecedented rainfall and rising floodwaters that have crippled road connectivity across the region.
The tour, which covered some of the worst-hit areas, included crucial sites such as the KaKholwane Culvert Crossing, Buhleni Bailey Bridge, Mafutha Low-Level Crossing, and KaMjuda Road Failure, among others.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport, together with the department’s technical teams, assessed the full extent of the damage and discussed possible reconstruction plans aimed at enhancing road safety and connectivity.
“The heavy rains and flooding have caused significant damage to our road networks and infrastructure, but we are determined to ensure that Shiselweni remains accessible and safe for the public,” said Ndwandwe.
“This tour is part of a broader initiative to evaluate our infrastructure, identify immediate response strategies, and formulate long-term solutions that will better withstand future climate impacts, ”he said.
Among the most critical concerns identified during the visit were the structural vulnerabilities of several bridges that were washed away, such as the two Nsongweni Low-Level Crossings and Mkhokhoba Road Failure.
The technical teams highlighted key factors, including the inadequate elevation of certain crossings, which made them more susceptible to flooding. As part of the ministry’s reconstruction strategy, plans are underway to build elevated bridges designed to eliminate the risk of future flooding and improve long-term sustainability.
While the government is working on large-scale solutions, the immediate focus is on emergency repairs to restore access to affected areas. KaMjuda Road, a vital artery in the region, has been identified for urgent attention due to its severe condition and the high volume of traffic that relies on it for connectivity.
“The restoration of these critical infrastructures is not just about rebuilding roads; it’s about protecting lives and ensuring that our communities remain safe, especially during the rainy season,” Ndwandwe added.
The initiative aligns with the ministry’s broader commitment to addressing the impacts of climate change and strengthening the nation’s resilience to extreme weather events. With an ambitious reconstruction plan in place, the government aims to not only restore access but also future-proof the country’s infrastructure against the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns.
As government accelerates efforts to rebuild Shiselweni’s bridges, residents and commuters can expect ongoing updates on the progress of repairs and the full restoration of road networks.
