Mkhambathini residents in KZN say new bridges will create ease of movement in area
On Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the completion of bridges in the deep KwaZulu-Natal rural area as part of government’s Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme.
President Cyril Ramaphosa opened the Esigodini Welisizwe Rural Bridge as part of government’s Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme on 31 January 2024. Picture: X/GovernmentZA
DURBAN - Community members in Mkhambathini, KwaZulu-Natal, expressed gratitude at the unveiling of new bridges in their communities, saying they would create great ease of movement.
On Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the completion of bridges in the deep KwaZulu-Natal rural area.
ALSO READ: Ramaphosa satisfied with completion of bridges built under Welisizwe programme
The bridges are part of the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme, which seeks to build more bridges in various communities across the province.
Phindile Khuzwayo said before the bridge was built in her community, movement was difficult for them and their children.
"Children could not access their schools, as the rivers often get flooded when we experienced heavy rains. Parents had to make means to ensure the safety of their children, so they will be of great help to us."
A fellow community member, Philani Lithuli, echoed similar sentiments, saying as one of those who worked with South African National Defence Force (SANDF) engineers in building the bridge, he also gained knowledge in the process.
“I got skills in working on that bridge - skills that I’ve never obtained anywhere else, with the soldiers also teaching us different skills of building bridges. It was a good thing to us. The job was well done. We loved this and wish it could continue.”
The government said 11 more bridges would be built in KwaZulu-Natal by May.