THERE’S A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNNEL FOR EASTERN CAPE COMMUNITIES

Article By Andile Xulu and Pictures By Cwenga Mgubasi

Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) Project Management Office (PMO) Deputy Director-General (DDG), Luyanda Kafile has conducted a site inspection at one of the Welisizwe bridges currently under construction in the Eastern Cape.

The purpose of the site inspection was to identify hazardous and risky areas, which were affected by recent floods causing harm to nearby communities. From the findings of the site visit, the Department would be able to introduce control measures to help the communities.

During the site inspection, DDG Kafile said a Welisizwe bridge was being constructed in a partnership with the South African National Defence Force, the Department of Transport and DPWI. “The bridge will be completed in the next four weeks and communities will have full access to it” said DDG Kafile.

One of the EPWP participants working on the bridge, Ivy Mnqokoyi, said residents were really struggling to cross the river when going to schools and clinics. “There is hope because DPWI and SANDF are working together to ensure that they bring dignity to communities”, said Mnqokoyi.

DDG Kafile said there are 13 completed Welisizwe bridges in the Eastern Cape, excluding the bridge currently under construction.

“In total, 280 bridges across the country will be built. This is the allocation that we have been given over a three-year period”, she said.

The Welisizwe bridges programme aims to uplift rural communities and upgrade rural infrastructure. “We believe that in the next four weeks, we should be able to successfully open the bridge and focus on other bridges in the province” said DDG Kafile.