Nomore drownings

Mayor Vincent Madlala officially opened the bridge linking Ezakheni E and C sections on Monday, January 20. Also present at the opening were ward councillors, councillors from the municipality, and the community.

This bridge will help community members, especially schoolchildren, who travel between the two areas.

There have been numerous deaths due to drowning on the previous bridge which was destroyed in a storm. This new bridge will make a difference in the lives of many people in the Ezakheni area, as it links Ward 5 and Ward 8.

Community members at the event expressed their gratitude and happiness for what the municipality has done concerning the development of this new bridge. In his speech, the mayor said that the municipality is delivering on promises and making sure they put service delivery first.

“It has always seemed to me that bridges are among the most powerful and important symbols in human society – symbols of connection, of co-operation and of harmony. When harmony breaks down and conflicts ensue, the destroying of bridges is usually among the most urgent targets. But when peace and healing come, then it is the construction and rehabilitation of bridges that marks our progress. Let us not forget, as we celebrate this achievement, that this bridge brings with it a great responsibility. It is my hope and desire that what is carried across it, in whichever direction, is done for the purpose of creating happiness and health, wisdom and prosperity, in both the economic and the moral realms,” enthused the mayor

This bridge comes as a great relief to the community, which has long experienced challenges connecting to areas of destination for daily socio-economic and educational needs. At least 200 pupils previously had to cross the river, putting their lives at risk as they waded through the water to reach schools such as Ncwaba, Ekuphumuleni Primary and Sakhelwe, Endakane High every day.

The bridge will also bring immense comfort to motorists using both passenger cars and buses, who cross the river from Ezakheni to the Pieters Industrial Estate for work purposes. The project will benefit the whole community of Ezakheni and neighbouring rural areas, being Esidakeni, Pieters, Qinisa and EManzinabilayo. Very importantly, the surrounding communities can now say goodbye to the tragic drownings that have claimed lives ever since the existence of ‘Tebetebe bridge.