Africa-Press – Eswatini. Residents of Meleti under Ndzingeni Inkhundla have taken a bold and practical step by repairing the damaged Piggs Peak–Madlangempisi road themselves, turning community effort into an immediate solution after recent heavy rains left the route badly eroded.
Instead of waiting for government intervention, community members mobilised quickly, bringing stones, tools and labour to restore the road. Working side by side, they filled deep erosion channels, stabilised washed-away sections and ensured that vehicles and pedestrians could once again use the road safely.
The initiative has helped maintain access to schools, clinics, farms and neighbouring communities.
The action follows torrential rains experienced across the country over the past two weeks, which caused widespread damage to road infrastructure. Several gravel roads were severely eroded, drainage systems collapsed, culverts were blocked or swept away, and some bridges were weakened. In many areas, roads became difficult or impossible to use, disrupting transport, access to essential services, and daily economic activities.
The Piggs Peak–Madlangempisi road was among the routes hardest hit, with rainwater cutting through the surface and creating dangerous channels. Concerned about safety and continued access, Meleti residents decided to act swiftly to prevent further deterioration while awaiting formal repairs.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has since acknowledged the extensive damage caused by the recent rains. Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe has assured the nation that assessments are underway across all regions. He said emergency maintenance works will prioritise critical routes, including re-gravelling damaged roads, repairing drainage systems, reopening blocked culverts, and rehabilitating weakened bridges.
Chief Ndwandwe also welcomed community-led initiatives, noting that such efforts complement government programmes and help speed up recovery. He reaffirmed government’s commitment to restoring damaged road infrastructure and strengthening resilience against extreme weather conditions.
The Meleti community’s decisive action stands as a powerful example of unity, responsibility and resilience, proving that when communities take ownership, progress can begin immediately.
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