SHISELWENI – About 800 residents under Sandleni Inkhundla are expected to benefit from the newly completed 92-metre Kamzizi Hybrid Footbridge, which is set to improve daily movement along a key community route.
Constructed at a cost of E1.2 million, the footbridge was officially handed over to the Sandleni community following a two-month construction period.
The project was implemented through a partnership between the Microprojects Programme and Engineers in Action, with support from students from the United States of America who participated in the community development initiative.
Microprojects Programme Director Sibusiso Mbingo said the bridge was constructed in response to the access needs identified within the community.
He highlighted schoolchildren among those expected to benefit, particularly those who use the route when travelling to and from school.
According to Mbingo, the project demonstrates the value of partnerships in delivering infrastructure that addresses practical challenges faced by communities.
The 92-metre structure now provides residents with a dedicated crossing, improving access between different parts of the community as well as to essential services and facilities.
The completion of the project within two months also allowed the intended beneficiaries to begin using the facility soon after its handover.
Mbingo acknowledged the continued support of Engineers in Action in community development projects, saying such partnerships contribute to infrastructure initiatives aimed at addressing practical needs across the country.
The project also brought an international youth component to the community development effort, with students from the United States travelling to Eswatini to participate in the construction initiative.
Their involvement gave the students an opportunity to work alongside local partners while gaining practical exposure to community development and infrastructure projects.
For Sandleni residents, the completion of the footbridge marks the beginning of improved access along a route that forms part of their daily movement.
Schoolchildren, in particular, are expected to benefit from having a dedicated crossing as they travel to and from school.
The collaboration also demonstrates how government development programmes, non-governmental organisations and international participants can work together to deliver community infrastructure.
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