The Alfred Duma Local Municipality, under the leadership of Mayor Cllr Zama Sibisi, proudly announces the official handover of the newly constructed Low Crossing Bridge in St. Chads in the Emgodini Area ward 27 under Cllr Xaba on Wednesday, 09 October 2024. This significant infrastructure project is set to improve the daily lives of the residents of Ward 27, enhancing accessibility, safety, and economic opportunities for the community.
In attendance were Cllr Xaba, Cllr Mswane, Cllr Zikalala and Cllr Mlaba.
The construction of the Emgodini Low Crossing Bridge is part of the Municipality’s commitment to service delivery, aiming to provide essential infrastructure that supports rural and underdeveloped areas. Previously, the lack of a safe crossing posed significant challenges to residents, especially during the rainy season, rivers became difficult to cross, isolating the community from essential services, schools, and markets.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Mayor Zama Sibisi emphasized the importance of the project:
“This bridge is more than just a structure; it is a lifeline for the people of ward 27. It symbolizes our continued effort to improve service delivery and ensure that every community in our municipality has access to the resources and infrastructure they need.
Today, we celebrate progress on our services delivery and the promises kept to work for you to better the future of Emgodini resident’s ”
The project was completed on time and within budget, thanks to the collaborative efforts of local contractors, the municipal infrastructure team, and the community of ward 27. The bridge will improve access to local schools, healthcare facilities, and commercial areas, fostering economic growth and connecting communities within the municipality.
This handover is part of a broader series of development projects planned by the Municipality, aiming to upgrade and improve rural infrastructure across the municipality.
The Mayor further thanked the residents of Ward 27 for not interrupting the project and extended his hand by giving away blankets to the residents who did not receive them when he last visited the area.
The Mayor and local leaders call upon the community to take ownership of this valuable asset and ensure its longevity through responsible use and care.