By Mfanufikile Khathwane (Intern)
MBELEBELENI – The Maphalaleni, Nkiliji, and Mbelebeleni communities are celebrating a major milestone following the completion of the 94-meter Khelekhele Suspended Footbridge, which now safely links the three communities across the Mbuluzi River.
The footbridge, officially inaugurated on July 12,2025 during a lively community event, is the 31st bridge constructed by Engineers in Action (EIA) in partnership with the Microprojects Programme Coordinating Unit under the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development.
The celebration brought together three government ministers, who also serve as Members of Parliament for the areas involved. These included Apollo Maphalala, Minister of Housing and Urban Development and MP for Kukhanyeni Inkhundla; Minister of Agriculture and Mkhiweni MP Hon. Mandla Tshawuka and Maphalaleni MP and Public Service Minister Mabulala Maseko, who sent apologies due to work commitments.
Ana Jovanovic, Manager of Engineers in Action, shared her joy at the event. “We are happy to share this moment,” she said. “Although the project wasn’t easy, it took dedication and love to make it a success.” She highlighted that EIA has worked in Eswatini for eight years, constructing 31 footbridges and carrying out water projects in schools.
The bridge will remain under a one-year Defect Liability period, during which EIA staff will conduct routine inspections and maintenance.
Mduduzi Dvuba, project chairman, said the bridge is a life-changing development for the area. “We had difficulties crossing the Mbuluzi River,” he said. “Our children can now go to school safely. We thank Microprojects and everyone involved.”
Benson, speaking on behalf of the EIA students who spent eight weeks in Eswatini, thanked the community for their hospitality. “The connections we made with the community are something we won’t forget overnight,” he said.
Sibusiso Mbingo, Director of the Microprojects Programme, also expressed gratitude. “We appreciate the dedication of the students and the strong support from our ministers,” he said. He acknowledged the Shongwe homestead for hosting the students and awarded them E500 in appreciation.
Minister Apollo Maphalala said the bridge was a result of unity and partnership. “This structure connects more than just land it connects people, cultures, and hopes for development,” he said.
Minister Mandla Tshawuka thanked Microprojects for continued rural development and encouraged the communities to take ownership of the bridge and prioritize agriculture as the government improves access to roads and clean water.
Nsingweni Umphakatsi Chief Mkhumbi Dlamini thanked the students for their sacrifice and presented two goats one to Microprojects and one to EIA as a token of community appreciation.
The Khelekhele Suspended Footbridge now stands not only as a vital infrastructure improvement, but also as a lasting symbol of unity, cooperation, and hope for the future.
