Africa-Press – Eswatini. Government, through Microprojects under the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, has officially launched the construction of a E1.4 million footbridge linking the Vusweni and Nsingweni Chiefdoms under the Nkhomiyahlaba Constituency.
The project is being implemented under the Microprojects Development Initiative and is supported by Engineers in Action, a non-governmental organisation based in the United States of America that partners with communities to deliver sustainable infrastructure.
Speaking at the launch, Microprojects/Engineers in Action Community Development Officer Mduduzi Mdluli delivered a letter from Microprojects Director Tim Mbingo, which was read to members of the community project committee. In the letter, the Director confirmed that following a formal application by community leadership, management had approved the project and allocated over E1.4 million towards the construction of the footbridge.
Mdluli said the project was expected to bring relief and improved safety to residents who regularly cross the area, particularly during the rainy season.
“We are optimistic that the launch of this project will bring happiness and convenience to the residents of Vusweni and Nsingweni,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of community collaboration and ownership, noting that the project was being implemented in partnership with an international organisation.
“We request your full cooperation as a community. We also urge residents to respect this project, as we are working together with a USA-based organisation that is supporting this development,” Mdluli said.
He added that strong community participation would demonstrate appreciation by the umphatsi (traditional authority) and increase the likelihood of similar development initiatives being extended to other communities.
However, Mdluli cautioned that lack of enthusiasm or negligence could negatively affect future assistance.
“We want to make a plea to the people of this community not to steal or be negligent, as this could lead to criminals stealing government construction tools and materials such as cement bags,” he warned.
Mdluli further highlighted that residents were expected to adhere strictly to safety regulations and follow instructions from government officials and Engineers in Action experts during the construction period. He explained that although Microprojects requires at least 70 per cent of beneficiary homesteads to be represented at project launches, an exception was made due to a concurrent school meeting attended by many residents.
Construction work will be carried out on weekdays from 8:00am to 4:00pm, involving both community members and technical personnel.
In line with Microprojects policy, the community is required to contribute 10 per cent of the project value through labour and material support. This includes collecting stones, supplying construction sand and preparing food for community workers.
The footbridge is expected to significantly improve mobility, safety and access to essential services for residents of both chiefdoms.
