A long-standing challenge that forced families, schoolchildren and entire communities to brave the dangerous waters of the Nkomanzi River has finally come to an end following the completion and official handover of the E1.4 million Tintfutfwini Suspended Footbridge.
The 92-metre suspended footbridge, constructed under the Microprojects Programme of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development in partnership with Engineers in Action (EIA),
is expected to transform daily life for residents of kaNdeva and Hlalakahle by providing a safe, reliable and permanent crossing over the Nkomanzi River. 
More than 75 learners attending Luhhumaneni Primary School previously crossed the river under dangerous conditions every school day.
During periods of heavy rainfall, attendance was often disrupted as parents feared for their children’s safety or because the swollen river simply could not be crossed.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Engineers in Action Programme Manager Ana Jovanovic expressed appreciation to the local community for embracing the project from its inception and for the support they provided throughout the construction process.
Jovanovic said the successful completion of the bridge was made possible through close cooperation between the construction team and community members, whose willingness to work together demonstrated a shared commitment to improving local livelihoods.
Members of the student team from Engineers in Action also reflected on their experience working alongside residents during the construction of the bridge.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Levi Stutzman described the project as a rewarding experience that demonstrated the importance of community participation in development initiatives.
Stutzman thanked residents for their hospitality, cooperation and active involvement throughout the construction period, saying the experience showed what can be achieved when communities and development partners work together towards a common objective.
Director of the Microprojects Programme, Sibusiso Mbingo, also paid tribute to the various stakeholders whose contributions made the project possible.
He acknowledged Engineers in Action traditional leaders, Government officials, community members and all development partners who worked together to deliver the bridge.
Mbingo said the primary objective of the project was to improve safety by ensuring that learners and other community members no longer have to risk their lives crossing the Nkomanzi River.
He noted that protecting lives remained at the heart of the initiative and that the project reflects the government’s continued investment in infrastructure that directly improves the wellbeing of rural communities.
Mbingo further highlighted that the Tintfutfwini Suspended Footbridge represents another milestone in the long-standing partnership between the Microprojects Programme and Engineers in Action.
Through the partnership, a number of suspended footbridges have been constructed across Eswatini to improve access and connectivity for communities separated by rivers and other natural barriers.
Pigg’s Peak Member of Parliament Jabulani Mabuza described the completion of the bridge as a major achievement for the people of kaNdeva and Hlalakahle.
He said the previous river crossing had posed a danger for many years, particularly for schoolchildren who were forced to navigate the river every day in order to attend classes.
Mabuza welcomed the completion of the bridge as a lasting solution that will protect lives while expanding access to essential services.
He said the improved connectivity would also create new opportunities for economic activity by making it easier for residents to move between communities throughout the year.
