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President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasized the transformative power of the Welisizwe rural bridges programme, celebrating its ability to address flooding challenges and stimulate job creation in rural areas.
Speaking at the handover of three new Bailey bridges at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga, Ramaphosa outlined the programme’s contributions to enhancing safety, connectivity, and economic opportunities.
Improving Rural Connectivity and Safety
The new bridges at Vezubuhle, Leratong, and Zakheni tackle long-standing mobility issues in rural Mpumalanga, where heavy rains often render rivers and streams impassable.
“When the rains come, crossing becomes difficult and dangerous,” Ramaphosa said. “These bridges make commuting safer and easier, particularly for women and children who no longer have to navigate unsafe areas, especially at night.”
Job Creation and Economic Opportunities
The construction of the bridges provided 105 jobs through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), offering much-needed income to local residents.
“This is 105 unemployed South Africans earning a living and supporting their families,” Ramaphosa noted.
The initiative, with a R3.8-billion budget for the 2023/2024 to 2025/2026 financial years, aims to generate 17,000 job opportunities and 510 training placements.
Rapid Deployment and Emergency Response
The programme’s use of prefabricated Bailey bridges allows for rapid deployment, making it a valuable tool during emergencies.
“During the devastating floods two years ago, we deployed 14 of these bridges to support affected communities in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and the Eastern Cape,” Ramaphosa said.
Engineered for efficiency, these bridges can be assembled in days and have a lifespan of up to 20 years with regular maintenance.
Call to Protect Community Assets
Ramaphosa urged communities to safeguard the infrastructure from vandalism.
“These bridges are your assets. Work with authorities to protect them for future generations,” he said.
Expanding the Programme’s Reach
Launched in 2020, the Welisizwe programme aims to deliver 288 bridges across six provinces by 2026, including 17 in Mpumalanga.
Ramaphosa described the initiative as a pivotal step in addressing apartheid-era neglect and fostering rural development.
“This programme shows how we can address backlogs and deliver services efficiently and affordably.”
A Brighter Future for Rural Communities
The launch of the three bridges marks another milestone in the programme’s mission to enhance safety, boost economic development, and improve the quality of life in flood-prone rural areas.
