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Mandela Bridge 'on track' for opening

Lulama Teka

17 April 2013

The building of the Nelson Mandela Legacy Bridge near Umthatha in the Eastern Cape is on schedule, with the bridge due to be opened on 10 May to commemorate the day Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa's president in 1994.

The new bridge will, on completion, link Ludondolo village with Mandela's birthplace, Mvezo village. It will also link the community to the N2 freeway, thus reducing the distances to the centres of East London, Mthatha and Idutywa by more than 50 kilometres.

Rural Development and Land Reform Minister Gugile Nkwinti visited the area on Friday to check on the construction of the project's final phase.

Nkwinti said the bridge would not only further Mandela's legacy, but would also mean that residents from the two Eastern Cape villages would no longer have to risk drowning when trying to cross the Mbashe river.

"The river that flows under this bridge has claimed many lives, some from Ludondolo village and some from Mvezo village. Gone are those days, because the villagers will be able to use the bridge and the new 10-kilometre paved road."

Nkwinti said the day chosen for the opening of the bridge was special as it not only honoured the former president for his role as a freedom fighter, but also as father of the nation.

The 12-metre wide bridge was initiated by the department as part of its Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP).

Mandela's grandson and chief of Mvezo village, Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela, said it was heart-warming to see that his grandfather's legacy was still being honoured.

"On behalf of my family and the Abathembu tribe, I am grateful to all who made this project a success. The cries of my people have been heard, because crossing the river was a huge risk," Mandela said.

Local prince Xhanti Sigcawu said the project had significantly boosted the economy in the area.

"The project created 209 job opportunities for people from Mbashe and Mvezo villages. We will also be getting a concrete block plant, which will further benefit our people," Sigcawu said.

Ludondolo Village resident Sipeto Gada couldn't believe the construction of the bridge over the Mbashe River was nearly complete.

"We've always dreamed of having a bridge, but we never thought it would happen. We've always had to take a 49 kilometre detour on the highway to get to Mvezo village," Gada said.

Source: SAnews.gov.za