Eswatini opens Tintfotfweni suspension bridge to enhance public safety and connect rural communities

Written by: Mohamed Ragab

The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development in the Kingdom of Eswatini, through its Small Projects Programme and in partnership with Engineers in Action, inaugurated the Tintfoutfweni suspension bridge over the Nkumanzi River, in a move aimed at improving rural infrastructure, enhancing the safety of the population and facilitating access to basic services.

The opening ceremony was attended by government officials, members of parliament, traditional leaders, and representatives of partner organizations, along with a large number of local community members, who considered the project an important transformation in their daily lives after years of struggling to cross the river, especially during the rainy season.

An end to the suffering of the people of Ka Ndifa and Hilalakhli

For many years, the residents of the Kan Ndeva and Hlalakhale areas faced daily dangers while crossing the Nkumanzi River, as heavy rains and rising water levels isolated villages from schools, health centers, markets and government services, constantly threatening the lives of children and families.

With the opening of the new bridge, residents can now cross safely throughout the year, which improves daily traffic flow and reduces the risks faced by students, patients, and farmers.

Partnership between the government and development partners

Anna Jovanovic, Program Director at Engineers for Action, confirmed that the project’s success was a result of close cooperation between the organization and the local community, praising the residents“ participation in the implementation work and the support they provided throughout the construction period.

Levi Stutzman, one of the students involved in implementing the project, also expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome from the local community, stressing that the experience proved the importance of joint work between communities and development partners to achieve sustainable results.

Improving access to education and services

For his part, the director of the small projects program, Sibusiso Mbengo, explained that the main objective of the project is to protect the lives of the residents, ensure that students reach their schools safely, and facilitate access to health facilities and government services.

He added that the bridge represents a new milestone in the ongoing cooperation between the program and the organization “Engineers for Action”, which has implemented a number of suspension bridges in rural areas with the aim of improving connectivity between communities and supporting local development.

For his part, the Member of Parliament for Biggs Bec, Jabulani Mabuza, described the project as an important achievement for the residents of the area, stressing that the bridge will protect the lives of children who had to cross the river daily, and will also contribute to enhancing opportunities for education, health care and economic activity.

Investment in rural development

The Tintefoutfweni suspension bridge embodies the Eswatini government’s commitment to developing infrastructure in rural areas and improving the quality of life through the implementation of sustainable projects that meet the needs of citizens.

Officials believe that the project is not just a means of crossing the river, but represents an investment in the future of local communities, as it strengthens ties between villages, supports economic development, and ensures that residents have safer and more efficient access to basic services, which will positively impact the social and economic development of the Kingdom.