SIPHOFANENI – Concerns over the safety of residents crossing a crocodile-infested river have paved the way for the construction of the Nkhosinathi Suspension Footbridge, which is expected to provide a safer route for communities in KaGamedze and Ngcamphalala Umphakatsi.
The project, being implemented through a partnership between the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development’s Microprojects Programme and Engineers in Action, is set to improve movement between the communities while making it easier for residents to access schools and other essential services.
Nine Engineers in Action volunteers have already been introduced to the Siphofaneni Inkhundla, marking an important step towards the start of construction.
For residents who have long depended on the existing river crossing, the project represents more than an infrastructure upgrade. It is expected to address a longstanding safety concern, with crocodiles in the river making the crossing increasingly dangerous.
Ngcamphalala Umphakatsi Indvuna, Makhundu Mamba, welcomed the development, saying the community had been facing serious safety challenges when using the river crossing.
He expressed gratitude for the intervention, noting that the suspension footbridge would provide residents with a much-needed safer alternative for their daily journeys.
Siphofaneni Member of Parliament Nomalungelo Simelane also welcomed the project, particularly its expected impact on schoolchildren.
Simelane said the bridge would give children a safer route to school while improving access for other residents who depend on the crossing to reach essential services. She further expressed appreciation to the Microprojects Programme for its continued contribution to development initiatives in the area.
Siphofaneni Indvuna yeNkhundla, Phiwokwakhe Ngcamphalala, commended community members for their strong turnout during the introduction of the volunteers.
He emphasised the importance of community participation in development projects, saying residents’ involvement would help ensure that the initiative responds to their needs.
Meanwhile, Community Development Officer Mduduzi Mdluli highlighted the value of bringing professional engineering expertise to the project.
Mdluli said the Engineers in Action volunteers would provide technical support during construction, contributing to the development of a durable footbridge that could serve the community for years to come.
Engineers in Action is supporting the project through the sponsorship and deployment of the nine engineering volunteers.
The Nkhosinathi Suspension Footbridge is therefore expected to address a critical safety challenge while improving mobility and strengthening access to education and essential services for residents of KaGamedze and Ngcamphalala.
Once completed, the bridge will provide a safer and more reliable crossing, reducing residents’ reliance on the dangerous river route.
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