R3.3 Billion Allocated to Eradicate Dangerous River Crossings with 134 Welisizwe Bridges
In a significant development, the pressing issue of schoolchildren risking treacherous river crossings in South Africa’s rural areas due to the lack of bridge infrastructure is set to become a thing of the past. Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala has unveiled a substantial R3.3 billion budget earmarked for the construction of 134 Welisizwe bridges in six provinces over the next three years.
Minister Zikalala made this announcement during the launch of the extensive Welisizwe Bridges construction project at two construction sites in Port St Johns, Eastern Cape. Joined by Eastern Cape Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha and Port St Johns local Municipality Mayor Nomvuzo Mlombile-Cingo, the Minister inspected the Sunrise and Ntlenga bridge sites, which are already 50% complete, offering much-needed safety during the rainy seasons to the communities in the vicinity.
The allocated budget will see an annual expenditure of R1.1 billion in the Eastern Cape, where the Welisizwe bridges program was initially piloted. This comprehensive project also extends to KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and North West.
Minister Zikalala stressed that the Welisizwe bridges program primarily targets rural provinces burdened by a backlog in bridge construction and facing life-threatening situations during rainy periods.
Welisizwe bridges, a government initiative, aims to redress the bridge infrastructure deficit in rural and underprivileged communities, facilitating access to essential services like healthcare facilities, schools, and economic amenities.
The Welisizwe Bridges project represents a collaborative effort between the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, the South African National Defence Force, and the Provincial Departments of Transport. Not only does it make access to communities possible, but it is also labor-intensive, generating numerous job opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). The workforce gains valuable skills in various areas such as welding, groundwork, and soil retention. Each bridge site involves seven SANDF members overseeing the projects, supported by five artisans and 40 EPWP workers.
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