New bridge to help learners

The work started on Tuesday. According to ward 77 councillor Wilson Busakwe, the bridge is built to help school children to be able to cross from Barcelona to schools in Rest in Peace section.

He said because of the danger posed by the stagnant water where young learners cross, the metro has seen the need to build a bridge to avoid dangers or possible drowning of children when crossing.

He said the construction of the bridge will not only help school children but has also created jobs to ten residents who were unemployed.

Speaking on behalf of those who will be working on the construction, Goodness Masondo said the new project will help her provide for her family.

“I have been unemployed and now this new project will chase away poverty from my family,” said Masondo.

One of the constructors on the site, Philip Mathabela said the construction will not take more than a month.

“We will do as fast as we can to ensure that residents do not wait for a long time to use their new bridge,” said Mathabela.

Thembinkosi Shongwe, a resident in KwaThema also expressed his excitement about the new bridge.

He also confirmed that children’s lives are in danger when crossing in that area from Barcelona to their primary schools in other sections of the township.

“Parents are forced to take their children to their different schools and also have to fetch them from school when it rains to ensure their safety,” said Shongwe.

He continued to say that when the bridge is complete, no parent will live in fear for the safety of their children and absentism of young learners from school when it rains will all be in the past.

Shongwe thanked their ward councillor and the metro for putting the needs and the lives of the children of KwaThema first.