Africa-Press – Eswatini. The community of Sandleni in the Shiselweni Region celebrated a major milestone as the long-awaited Dlomodlomo Bridge was officially handed over on November 19, 2025.
The E8 million structure, constructed through Microprojects, replaces the previous bridge that was washed away by the 1984 floods, restoring safe and reliable access that residents have been without for decades.
The event was attended by the Minister of Education and Training, Hon. Owen Nxumalo; the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Hon. Muzi Bongani Nzima; Mtsambama Member of Parliament Sibongile Mamba; and the Director of Microprojects, Sibusiso Mbingo.
Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Hon. Muzi Bongani Nzima, expressed deep appreciation to the Government of His Majesty for making the project a reality. He highlighted the hardships that families have endured since the destruction of the old bridge.
“We thank the Government of His Majesty for the construction of the Dlomodlomo Bridge through Microprojects. The old bridge was destroyed by the heavy rains of 1984, and since then life has not been easy for the people of Sandleni,” he said.
Nzima emphasized how the new structure will significantly improve daily life.“Parents used to wake up every time it rained just to help children cross the river, and they had to return after school to do the same. This bridge has rescued them. Relatives will now visit one another freely without fear,” he added.
Microprojects Director Sibusiso Mbingo highlighted the importance and cost of the project.“The bridge cost E8 million and will allow residents to cross safely when travelling to Hlatsi town and for children going to New Nazareth Primary School,” he said.
Mbingo also provided updates on the concrete road currently under construction at Mdvonsa Mountain, a long-standing challenge for the area. “That road has been a problem for vehicles, especially in the rainy season. Residents have been forced to use the Mtsambama route, which is far. The new road will change that,” he explained.
Separately, Minister of Education and Training Hon. Owen Nxumalo addressed the future of education in Sandleni, confirming that his ministry has identified the need for a new high school near New Nazareth Primary School.
“We have come as the Ministry of Education to assess the situation, and we have seen the need for a high school here,” he said.
He further commended Minister Nzima for prioritizing development in his constituency.“The people elected Hon. Bongani Nzima, and he did not abandon them or remain in Mbabane. He has brought development, and today we are opening the Dlomodlomo Bridge,” Nxumalo added.
Mtsambama MP Sibongile Mamba expressed gratitude to all involved.“We thank the Ministry of Education, led by Minister Nxumalo, for assessing the need for the high school. We also appreciate the Umphakatsi for always allocating land for community development,” she said.
She urged residents to take ownership of the growing developments in Sandleni.
“The bridge and new road mean access to Hlatsi is now easier. We also thank Microprojects Director Sibusiso Mbingo for ensuring that resources are fairly distributed and reach Sandleni,” she said.
The handover of the E8 million Dlomodlomo Bridge marks a transformative moment for Sandleni, promising safer travel, better access to services, and renewed momentum for future development.
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