Africa-Press – Eswatini. A mighty celebration erupted on Friday as Eswatini, Engineers in Action, and Microprojects unveiled the country’s 30th community footbridge, linking lives across the Mzimphofu River.
The Inkhosiyaphendvula Suspended Footbridge was officially opened at a colourful handover ceremony attended by Gilgal MP Sifiso Gadlela, Dvokodvweni MP Tshabalala, officials from the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, Microprojects, Engineers in Action (EIA), and cheering members of the community.
Dubbed the “Golden Gate of Gilgal” by EIA Programme Manager Ana Jovanovic, the 89-metre-long structure is expected to last over 75 years and now provides safe, year-round access for over 1 800 people, including 900 schoolchildren, who were previously cut off by the seasonal flooding of the Mzimphofu River.
“This bridge isn’t just concrete and cables, it’s hope, safety, access, and pride,” said Jovanovic, praising the students from Hofstra, Rutgers, Iowa, and Western University in Canada who helped build the bridge alongside locals.
She also hailed community chairperson Sibusiso Shongwe as a “true champion” for leading with heart and hospitality throughout the three-month construction.
The celebration wasn’t short of applause or appreciation. Microprojects Director Sibusiso Mbingo, who once taught in the area, grew emotional while reflecting on the milestone.
“This is not just another bridge, it’s a return to where it all started,” he said. “We thank EIA and the American students for their time, skills and for providing materials for free.”
As a token of appreciation, Mbingo gifted E500 to Shongwe’s wife for her generosity in hosting the engineers and feeding them daily. Jovanovic donated a 5 000-litre water tank to the Shongwes, while a community member known as Dlamini was gifted E1 000 for using his personal vehicle throughout the project.
Gilgal MP Sifiso Gadlela thanked Microprojects for the bridge and pleaded for support with a clean water project, noting that the area struggles with water shortages in winter.
Entertainment wasn’t in short supply either, Gilgal youth set the stage ablaze with their thunderous Ingandla routine, while community elders danced and sang in celebration of progress, unity, and service.
From its technical excellence to its deep human impact, the Inkhosiyaphendvula Footbridge stands tall as a symbol of how partnerships, passion, and purpose can build more than just infrastructure, they build brighter futures.
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