KANDEVA – For decades, crossing the Nkomanzi River was a daily gamble for residents of kaNdeva and Hlalakahle. During the rainy season, the swollen river often cut off entire communities, forcing children to miss school while others risked their lives crossing dangerous waters inhabited by crocodiles and hippopotamuses.
That reality has now changed with the official commissioning of the E1.4 million Tintfutfwini Suspended Footbridge, a 92-metre structure linking the Nkhaba and Pigg’s Peak constituencies.
Constructed through the Microprojects Programme under the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development in partnership with Engineers in Action (EIA), the bridge is expected to improve access to education, healthcare, markets and other essential services while strengthening social and economic ties between the two communities.
Among those expected to benefit the most are more than 75 learners from Luhhumaneni Primary School, who previously had to navigate hazardous river crossings to attend classes. The bridge now provides a safe, reliable crossing throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions.
Speaking during the official handover, Microprojects Programme Director Sibusiso T. Mbingo said the project reflects government’s commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable communities through practical infrastructure development.
“This bridge was designed to serve the people, particularly schoolchildren and other vulnerable members of the community. It is an investment in safety, education and dignity that will improve access to essential services while protecting lives,” he said.
Mbingo added that the bridge would contribute to rural development by making it easier for residents to access schools, health facilities, government services and economic opportunities.
Engineers in Action Eswatini Country Programme Manager Ana Jovanović described the bridge as a testament to what can be achieved through strong partnerships between government, development partners and local communities.
She thanked everyone involved in the project, saying the collaboration had made it possible to deliver infrastructure that would positively impact generations to come.
Speaker of the House of Assembly and Pigg’s Peak Member of Parliament, Jabulani “Buy Cash” Mabuza, said the bridge represented more than physical infrastructure.
“This bridge represents hope for our communities. It will keep our children safe, improve movement between communities and open up opportunities for economic and social development,” he said.
Nkhaba Member of Parliament Hope Shiba said residents had endured years of hardship using the old crossing, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
He recalled that many children were unable to attend school whenever the previous footbridge became submerged, while those who attempted to cross the river faced dangers posed by strong currents as well as wildlife such as crocodiles and hippopotamuses.
“The completion of this bridge brings relief to our communities. It restores safe movement and gives parents confidence that their children can travel to school safely,” said Shiba.
The Tintfutfwini Suspended Footbridge is one of several community infrastructure projects being implemented under the Microprojects Programme to improve rural livelihoods across Eswatini.
Beyond improving safety, the bridge is expected to boost school attendance, strengthen access to healthcare and markets, stimulate local economic activity and promote greater social inclusion by ensuring uninterrupted, year-round connectivity between the Nkhaba and Pigg’s Peak constituencies.
For the people of kaNdeva and Hlalakahle, the new bridge is more than steel and concrete. It is a long-awaited lifeline that replaces fear with opportunity and stands as a lasting symbol of partnership, resilience and inclusive rural development.
This version places stronger emphasis on the human impact of the project before introducing the technical details, making it more engaging as a news feature while maintaining a professional journalistic tone.
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