MBANGWENI – The newly built Mbangweni Bridge, connecting the Nsingweni and Vusweni communities under Maphalaleni constituency, is now officially in use after its successful completion earlier this month.
The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, through its Microprojects Programme, handed over the bridge during a community event attended by residents, engineers, and local leadership.
The structure replaces the old tebetebe footbridge that had become dangerous over the years, especially during heavy rains. Residents, including schoolchildren and the elderly, had struggled to cross safely, with some missing school or avoiding travel altogether during storms.
The new bridge is expected to provide consistent and safe access for community members to essential services, including transport. Prior to its construction, residents walked long distances to Sgombeni to board public transport. With the bridge in place, local travel has become quicker and more convenient.
Present at the ceremony were Microprojects engineers Buhle Dlamini and Skhumbuzo Dlamini, who introduced the project to the community. They urged residents to take pride in and care for the new infrastructure.
Maphalaleni Member of Parliament and Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Mabulala Maseko, commended the project, calling it a “lifeline” for the area. He said the bridge would ensure children no longer missed school due to unsafe crossings.
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