Mbabane, Eswatini – The Elubaneni Footbridge, the 27th bridge constructed by Engineers in Action and the Microprojects Programme, was officially inaugurated today. This marks a significant milestone in the partnership, which began in 2017, and the sixth bridge completed in 2024.
The 84-meter-long suspended bridge, located in the Shiselweni Region, now connects the Ngudzeni and Nkomonye communities, providing a safe crossing over the Phongolwane River. A team of professional engineers from the United States and civil engineering students from Oregon State University, University College London, and Western University in Ontario worked together to construct the bridge over an eight-week period.
The Elubaneni Footbridge will significantly improve access to healthcare, education, and local markets for the residents of these communities, fostering greater connectivity and economic opportunities.
Engineers in Action (EIA), a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering underserved communities, has been instrumental in the construction of these footbridges. EIA collaborates with local communities, volunteers, and educational institutions to build safe crossings over dangerous rivers and ravines.
The organizations are now gearing up to begin their final bridge construction project of the year in Luyengo on September 3rd. This project will be carried out exclusively by EIA and Microprojects staff, who have gained extensive experience in suspension bridge construction.
Suspension bridges are becoming increasingly popular in Eswatini due to the country’s flat terrain. The Luyengo bridge is expected to be completed by the end of October 2024, concluding a successful build season for EIA, which has constructed seven footbridges across various regions of Eswatini.
