Mpolonjeni – The Ngobojaneni Suspension Footbridge in Mpolonjeni Inkhundla near Siteki has been officially handed over, dramatically easing access to essential services and education for local residents, reports Melissa Mnisi from the Multi-media Unit at the Microprojects Programme.
Community Chairman Vusi Vilakati described the severe hardships faced before the bridge, particularly during heavy rains. He noted three main issues the new crossing addresses: children often missed school when the river was impassable, residents struggled to reach stores, hospitals, and workplaces, and reporting crime to the police station was difficult.
Ana Jovanovic, Managing Director of Engineers in Action, expressed pride in the achievement, saying that while the bridge is the shortest the organisation has built, it will serve the largest number of people annually—around 3,200. She also credited young Masons trained by EIA over the past few years for their work on the project, adding that the bridge proves significant impact can be achieved with relatively small investment.
The Ngobojaneni Footbridge is the first of its kind, locally known as a “Tebe-tebe,” for the Mpolonjeni community. Nationally, it represents the 35th bridge constructed through the EIA partnership and the seventh completed this year.
Director of the Microprojects Programme, Sbusiso Mbingo, praised the community’s involvement, particularly the dedication of local women, and encouraged ongoing participation in projects like road construction to foster community ownership. He said initiatives like this support the national ‘Nkwe’ directive under the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, contributing to Eswatini’s broader development goals.
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