By Sikhulile Dlamini
ZANDONDO – Microprojects and Engineers in Action (EIA) are not done building bridges in the country, as they are expected to build three more, which will be situated in different places around the country.
The bridges are supposed to be built in places such as Sithobela, Ngudzeni, and Luyengo. This was said by EIA Program Manager, Anna Jovanovic. She said this last Friday (July 26, 2024) at Zandondo Umphakatsi, under Madlangemphisi Inkhundla. This was during the successful completion of the 25th bridge in Eswatini, called Jolitane Suspended Footbridge.
She highlighted that they were excited to continue their work and had plans to build three more bridges in Sithobela, Ngudzeni, and Luyengo by October 2024, aligning with the end of the building season.
The construction of the Jolitane bridge marks a significant milestone in Microprojects and EIA’s mission to enhance connectivity and improve lives through infrastructure.
Speaking during the completion of the Jolitane project, Mandla Matsebula, who was the chairperson of the project, highlighted that they were no longer going to face the challenges they faced before like difficulty in going to school and being exposed to crocodiles.
“We have lost souls in the Mbuluzi River because of crocodiles. The bridge was a true necessity and has solved many problems and created a unity between the two chiefdoms,” said Matsebula, who was also representing the Zandondo community in his remarks.
According to EIA statement, the newly constructed Jolitane bridge, the fourth bridge completed this year, now links the regions of Manzini and Hhohho, connecting the communities of Dvokolwako and Zondondo.
“The Jolitane bridge, constructed in just 10 weeks, spans an impressive 88 meters and will serve over 3,000 residents from the connected communities,” the statement said.
The project saw the collaboration of civil engineering students from Cornell University, Rutgers University, and Hofstra University, who, alongside professional engineers from the USA, UK, and Australia, contributed their expertise to the construction efforts.
EIA Program Manager, Anna Jovanovic expressed her gratitude for the ongoing partnership with Microprojects.
“We deeply appreciate our collaboration with Microprojects. This bridge stands as a testament to our successful cooperation over the past seven years,” Jovanovic said.
Microprojects Director Sibusiso Mbingo also highlighted the importance of communities coming together to work together in completing the projects brought to them. He said such projects needed to be embraced by members of the communities where they took place. Mbingo said such projects were meant to help the very people who lived in those communities.
