Siphelele Nketo 

THE start of construction work for pedestrian bridges in the rural areas of Bulwer and Underberg under the Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Local Municipality have brought much relief to community members, especially learners who often use unsafe river crossings while going to school.

The Ward 12 ‘Half My Right’ Pedestrian Bridge will improve community movement in the rural villages of Mqulela and Plazini in Bulwer.  A few years ago, two learners drowned while going to school. To prevent further drownings in the area, a sod-turning ceremony to mark the start of the construction work for the pedestrian bridge was conducted last Friday, August 21. 

Municipal mayor Sindi Msomi said that the bridge construction forms part of the municipality’s projects to address an infrastructure backlog in rural areas. Another sod-turning ceremony at Ridge Community Hall in Underberg was conducted on the same day for the construction of a pedestrian bridge in Ward 1. The bridge will improve river crossings for the community of Ntwasahlobo and surrounding areas. Msomi said the bridges will improve public safety and enhance community connectivity. She added that the bridges will also provide reliable access for children and elderly people. 

“The completion of the walking bridges will assist learners while going to school,” she said, adding that the completion of the bridges will assist communities with access to clinics, schools and even to move around the neighbourhood. The sod-turning ceremony was witnessed by excited community members, learners, traditional leaders as well as municipal officials.

Construction work for both pedestrian bridges will take six months. Community members have been urged to work with contractors for the smooth running of the project.