These are the last two multimillion rand bridges to be handed over out of nine that said to be constructed in rural areas across the province in partnership with Department of Defense and Public Works. The two Bailey bridges with a length of 27 meters were both build within a period of 3 months.

According to the MEC, the initiative was intended to connect the rural areas to the main stream of the economy, for people to be able to contribute meaningful to the economic activities and access to the service delivery points.

She thanked both communities of Ndofela and Jozana for allowing the project to flow smoothly without any disruption and for being kindly to the SANDF staff and afforded them a place to stay.

“I wish all communities can set pattern from you, understanding the bigger picture and not allow personal aspirations to override the intended outcome that will benefit scores of people in these communities. ” said MEC Gxothiwe-Tikana.

She also thanked the Defense force for their dedication and unwavering commitment to the task up until the end, “this shows that the working together approach is doable and people can achieve lot.”

Expressed words of gratitude to government, a Jozana resident, Johannes Du Plessis said, the bridge will ease their lives going forward after a long time of despair and suffering.

He further said that in rainy seasons it was a struggle for cars to cross to their villages such as Sunduza, Magwiji, Bensoville, Sigcawini, Kgampamasi, Nkampini and Moyeni to access schools and health care centres.

The case was the same with Ndofela which connects a number of villages such as Dolosini, Mayisela, Mfiki and Rayisini, pupils struggled to get to school.