By Ncaba Ntshakala
Maseyisini is on the brink of a transformative milestone as the LaKhaya Suspended Bridge enters its final phase of construction, with just 14 days remaining until completion.
The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, represented by Under Secretary Siboniso Masilela and Microprojects Programme Director Sibusiso Mbingo, recently welcomed additional support from Florida Atlantic University (FAU), USA.
The US asserted that their involvement shows a continued commitment to global engineering collaboration, reinforcing the efforts of Engineers in Action (EIA) in delivering critical infrastructure to Eswatini’s rural communities.
RELATED: A Bridge to the Future: How Technology Can Elevate Landlocked Countries Like Eswatini
The bridge Spanning 86.3 meters will serve as a vital transportation link between the communities of Kamazonbizwe and Esibovini, ensuring safe and reliable passage for 1,860 residents, including 930 schoolchildren.
The absence of a secure crossing has long posed significant challenges, particularly during the rainy season when rising river levels make travel dangerous.
The completion of the bridge was hailed as it will improve safety but also enhance access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for the local population.
A delegation from Florida Atlantic University, consisting of five students, a faculty advisor, and a technical expert, has arrived in Maseyisini to assist with the bridge’s superstructure.
Over the next two weeks, they will collaborate closely with Engineers in Action to bring the project to completion ahead of its official inauguration on March 14, 2025. This is FAU’s fourth consecutive year supporting Eswatini’s bridge-building initiatives.
Program Manager Ana Jovanovic at Engineers in Action, highlighted the significance of international partnerships in realizing these ambitious infrastructure projects.
“We are deeply grateful to our university chapters from the USA, UK, and Canada for their invaluable contributions to the design and construction of these bridges in Eswatini.
Students are at the heart of our program, not only providing technical expertise but also helping to fund the bridges they help build,” she said.
The LaKhaya Suspended Bridge is one of several infrastructure projects spearheaded by Engineers in Action to improve mobility and safety in Eswatini’s rural areas.
In a statement, the Ministry stated, “By eliminating the dangers associated with river crossings, especially for schoolchildren and elderly residents, the bridge will contribute to long-term socio-economic development.
RELATED: Residents of Buseleni reconnect after Mkhondvo river floods destroy bridges
Engineers in Action, working alongside university teams and local stakeholders, has navigated numerous technical challenges to ensure the structural integrity and longevity of the bridge.
The combined efforts of professional engineers, student volunteers, and community members have been instrumental in bringing the project to fruition.”
The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development further put emphasis on its commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance infrastructure and quality of life for emaSwati.
