Africa-Press – Eswatini. There was overwhelming joy and relief in the Mkhitsini community, which falls under the Shiselweni II Inkhundla (Nhlangano area), as they celebrated the official handover of the Luphandzane Suspension Footbridge on December 11, 2025.
The celebration was held at Mkhondvo Primary School, where the 99-meter, E1.4 million structure, delivered through the long-standing partnership between Eswatini Microprojects and Engineers in Action (EIA), was inaugurated. The bridge provides safe, year-round access for over 3 000 residents.
The project was necessitated by the severe floods that hit the wide Mkhondvo River in January 2025, washing away the community’s only crossing and cutting off residents from essential services for over five weeks. The urgency required Microprojects and EIA to adjust their annual plan immediately. The resulting Luphandzane Bridge was described as a true test of engineering ingenuity, supported by the Engineers in Action, the Microprojects Programme, the people of Esidzidzini and Evondvweni, Shiselweni Inkhundla, and Maher Terminals. Difficult terrain, lack of access roads for heavy machinery, and weather conditions repeatedly disrupted progress.
The handover officially closed EIA’s 2025 build season, with the Luphandzane Bridge marking their 36th footbridge constructed in Eswatini. EIA Program Manager, Ana Jovanovic, praised the extraordinary teamwork: “Luphandzane was more than a construction project, it was a test of resilience, creativity, and heart. This year showed once again that when we work together, no challenge is too big, and no ‘unbuildable’ bridge is truly unbuildable.”
The event was attended by the Regional Administrator (RA) of Shiselweni and former Deputy Prime Minister, Themba Masuku. Addressing the community, Mr. Masuku highlighted the spiritual significance of the structure: “This footbridge is not only a physical connection but a restoration of hope.”
Sibusiso Mbingo, Programme Director of Eswatini Microprojects, also addressed the enthusiastic crowd, emphasizing the commitment to national development:
“Microprojects’ partnership with Engineers in Action highlights the progress we are making as a country to ensure critical access is delivered to our people, regardless of how complex the challenges are.”
The new bridge ensures mobility to schools, clinics, farms, and essential services for over 3 000 people. While celebrations are underway, operational safety checks and final preparations are still in progress, and the community is expected to commence using the vital crossing next week.
The successful handover of the Luphandzane Suspension Footbridge marks a monumental achievement for the Mkhitsini community and the partnership between Eswatini Microprojects and Engineers in Action (EIA). With eight new bridge projects and two water systems already confirmed for 2026, the partnership remains firmly committed to expanding safe, essential infrastructure and resilience in Eswatini’s most underserved communities.
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