For years, residents of Nkosinathi have risked their lives crossing a crocodile-infested river to reach schools, clinics and other essential services.
That ordeal is set to become a thing of the past following the launch of the Nkosinathi Suspension Footbridge Project, which promises to provide a safe and reliable crossing for the community.
The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, through the Microprojects Programme in partnership with Engineers in Action (EIA), officially launched the project at Siphofaneni Inkhundla in the Lubombo Region on Saturday. 
The bridge is expected to transform the daily lives of residents by providing year-round access to schools, healthcare facilities, markets and other public services while reducing the dangers associated with crossing the river, particularly during the rainy season.
Speaking during the launch, Development Officer Mduduzi Mdluli congratulated the Siphofaneni community for successfully securing the project, describing it as an important investment in rural development.
He urged residents to take ownership of the project and ensure its success, noting that many communities across the country were still waiting for similar infrastructure.
Mdluli also announced that a group of international students would join Engineers in Action and members of the community during the construction of the bridge.
He said the collaboration would not only strengthen the project but also create an opportunity for cultural exchange and skills sharing.
Indvuna Yenkhundla Phiwayinkhosi Ngcamphalala said the bridge marked the fulfilment of a long-standing dream for the community, which has for years lived with the constant threat posed by crocodiles while crossing the river.
He thanked the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, the Microprojects Programme and Engineers in Action for responding to the community’s appeal for assistance.
Ngcamphalala said the bridge would eliminate the danger posed by crocodiles, making it safer for residents, particularly learners, to cross the river on their way to school and other destinations.
Engineers in Action Programmes Manager Ana Jovanovic said the Nkosinathi Suspension Footbridge would be the first in Eswatini to be constructed entirely from steel, making it a landmark project for the country.
She said Engineers in Action was delighted to work alongside the community to deliver a durable and sustainable structure that would improve lives for many years.
Once completed, the footbridge is expected to improve safe access to schools,
healthcare facilities and other essential services while contributing to the socio-economic development of the Siphofaneni community through improved connectivity and safer movement throughout the year.
