Africa-Press – Eswatini. Residents of Qomintaba and Matsanjeni South celebrated the official handover of the 108 metre Imphumelelo Suspension Footbridge today. Funded by the Microprojects Programme and built by Engineers in Action, the second longest in Eswatini,now provides safe, year round access for over 1,500 people and drastically reduces travel distances to healthcare and schools.
The bridge significantly reduces travel distance for residents from 40 kilometers to just 8 kilometers, providing faster and safer access to healthcare, including a new clinic scheduled to open nearby in October. It also addresses a critical safety concern: in the past three years, the Ingwavuma River crossing claimed five lives and caused ten serious injuries during floods and heavy rains.
Importance of Footbridges
Rivers that appear calm in dry seasons often become fast flowing barriers during the rainy season, cutting communities off from essential services such as healthcare, education, and markets. Suspended bridges eliminate the need for dangerous fording, particularly for children, the elderly, and those carrying goods or medical supplies. By ensuring year round connectivity, such bridges support economic stability, community safety, and long term development.
Impact on Education
Reliable, all weather crossings transform education in rural areas. Many children face long, risky journeys to school, particularly during floods, which leads to high absenteeism. The Imphumelelo Footbridge ensures students can attend school safely and consistently, reducing commuting time and allowing more focus on learning. For older students, especially girls, safer routes reduce risks of injury or harassment, enabling them to pursue education opportunities with confidence.
Community and Leadership Voices
MP David Ngcamphalala of Qomintaba emphasised the power of collaboration: “Nothing is impossible when people work together. I thank the Microprojects Programme for this remarkable project and praise Director Sibusiso Mbingo for supporting these communities without bias or conditions.”
The Imphumelelo Suspension Footbridge has already made a significant impact on the communities of Qomintaba and Matsanjeni South. During the handover ceremony, Engineers in Action Program Manager Ana Jovanovic highlighted the bridge’s role, saying, “This Imphumelelo bridge is a promise of safety, opportunity, and connection. It will save lives, open access to healthcare, and help the next generation reach their classrooms without fear.”
She further explained that the project’s success reflects strong partnerships, adding, “The Tebe Tebe program shows how the civil sector and governments can work hand in hand to achieve excellent results.”
Meanwhile, Bucopho of Sigwe expressed gratitude to the Microprojects Programme. He appealed for continued support and requested a car bridge now that the footbridge is complete. He also praised his team ,from Members of Parliament and Indvuna Yenkhundla to local leaders noting that their dedication gives him confidence that more development projects will come to Qomintaba and Matsanjeni South.
MP Sabelo Ndlangamandla of Matsanjeni South joined Ngcamphalala in cutting the ribbon. Consequently, the communities looked on with joy as the ceremonial moment marked the final Engineers in Action team to work in Eswatini. This highlighted the bridge’s significance as both a practical and symbolic achievement.
Finally, the student representative of Engineers in Action reflected on the broader impact of such projects. He noted that bridges like Imphumelelo have transformed communities, increasing crop yields, farm profits, healthcare access, and school enrollment. He also praised his team, who worked long hours and fully integrated themselves into the communities they served, demonstrating resilience and commitment.
EIA works to connect isolated communities through safe, sustainable infrastructure. Partnering with local governments, universities, and volunteers, EIA’s Bridge and Water Programs create life changing access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
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