Durban: Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson will today hand over three Welisizwe rural bridges in Umzinyathi, KwaZulu-Natal, to benefit local communities. The Minister will be accompanied by his Deputy Sihle Zikalala, KwaZulu-Natal Member of the Executive Council for Public Works and Infrastructure, Martin Meyer, and the Mayor of eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, Cyril Xaba.

According to South African Government News Agency, the Welisizwe Rural Bridge Programme, spearheaded by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, aims to construct 96 bridges annually in rural communities. This initiative is executed in collaboration with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to enhance connectivity to schools, hospitals, and other essential services.

Earlier this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa inaugurated completed bridges in the rural area of Mkhambathini in KwaZulu-Natal. At the ceremony, President Ramaphosa emphasized the significance of the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Progra
mme as a government priority, highlighting its role in improving safety, well-being, and access for rural communities.

The President underscored the growing frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change, which increases the vulnerability of communities residing near rivers. He stressed the importance of constructing more Welisizwe rural bridges to mitigate these challenges. The programme’s goals include enhancing safety and well-being, boosting the local economy by facilitating mobility, creating jobs, and supporting local businesses.

President Ramaphosa noted that the newly handed-over bridges would ease access to clinics, hospitals, schools, towns, and workplaces for the communities. Additionally, these infrastructures would simplify the process of fetching supplies and transporting produce to markets. He also mentioned the work opportunities for community members generated through the Expanded Public Works Programme during the construction phase.

The Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme aligns
with the objectives set forth in the 2023 State of the Nation Address, which outlined the government’s plan to build at least 96 bridges during the 2023/24 financial year.