MACETJENI – Residents of Macetjeni gathered in numbers this past weekend to witness the official handover of the Inkhosiyaphendvula Suspended Footbridge—now the longest of its kind in Eswatini.
Spanning 84 metres across the Mpofu River, the footbridge was built by Engineers in Action (EIA) in partnership with the Microprojects Programme Coordinating Unit under the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development. The structure now provides safe, year-round access for hundreds of residents, including schoolchildren and the elderly, who previously struggled to cross during rainy seasons.
The bridge was handed over during a colourful community event attended by local authorities, government officials, volunteers, and development partners.
Speaking at the event, Ana Jovanovic, Manager at EIA, expressed gratitude to the Ministry and Microprojects for supporting the project from start to finish. She described the journey as “long, but worth every moment,” citing the community’s involvement as a key factor in the successful completion.
“It was not easy, but the people of Macetjeni gave their all,” she said. “This bridge belongs to them.” Jovanovic also gave special mention to Mr. Sibusiso Shongwe, Chairperson of the Bridge Committee, praising his leadership and announcing that he would receive a 5,000-litre water tank in recognition of his service.
Sibusiso Mbingo, Director of Microprojects, reflected on the difficult past when schoolchildren could not attend class due to the river’s flooding. “This bridge changes that,” he said. “Our work with Engineers in Action started in 2017. They bring the cables, and we support the rest.” He also revealed that EIA teams are currently active in five other locations and that the programme runs free engineering workshops for interested community members.
Area MP Sifiso Gadlela thanked the international volunteers who built the bridge and acknowledged the efforts of Microprojects and community members who worked tirelessly throughout the construction. “We are grateful that young people from abroad came here and gave their time to help us,” he said.
The event was attended by the Indlunkulu of Macetjeni, who urged residents to maintain unity under Gilgal Inkhundla and take pride in the bridge. “It wasn’t an easy road, but we worked together and now have a bridge that barely needs maintenance,” he said.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which supports community-based infrastructure interventions in Eswatini, also congratulated the community and the stakeholders for successfully delivering the landmark project.
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