Speaker, the recently completed Nkosi Dalibhunga Mandela Legacy Bridge over the Mbashe River has created a vibrant atmosphere among villagers in the areas of Mvezo and Ludondolo in the Eastern Cape.
The short distance and time it now takes to travel to the nearest town of Mthata and the saving in the resources of poor people spent on travel costs has lifted the spirit of the resource-hungry population in the area. The bridge links Ludondolo village with Nkosi Dalibhunga's birthplace of Mvezo. In July last year, President Zuma launched the construction of the bridge, saying it was fitting that positive change was brought to Mvezo village, the birthplace of a man who changed the world for the better.
The 12m-wide bridge was initiated by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform as part of its Comprehensive Rural Development Programme. During the early stages of this project, 209 job opportunities were created and local people benefited.