South African officials will complete the transfer of a new crossing over the Umzimvubu River in the Eastern Cape, providing safer passage for residents of Welakabini and Esihlahleni villages who previously faced hazardous conditions during floods. Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson and Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala will lead the ceremony at Tebe-Tebe in eMaXesibeni, Alfred Nzo District Municipality, marking another delivery under the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme.
The structure was built through a partnership between the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and the South African National Defence Force. The program targets the construction of 96 bridges annually in remote areas, linking communities to schools, hospitals, and other services. Alfred Nzo District Municipality Executive Mayor Vukile Mhlelembana and Umzimvubu Local Municipality Mayor Zukiswa Ndevu will attend the handover, demonstrating coordination across government levels to address rural infrastructure needs.
The structure was built through a partnership between the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and the South African National Defence Force. The program targets the construction of 96 bridges annually in remote areas, linking communities to schools, hospitals, and other services. Alfred Nzo District Municipality Executive Mayor Vukile Mhlelembana and Umzimvubu Local Municipality Mayor Zukiswa Ndevu will attend the handover, demonstrating coordination across government levels to address rural infrastructure needs.