The recently commissioned MBILA Bridge in Itezhi-Tezhi District promises to transform daily life for residents of Mbila and surrounding areas. The new infrastructure addresses longstanding challenges caused by seasonal flooding, which previously isolated communities and disrupted essential activities.
Member of Parliament for Itezhi-Tezhi, Twaambo Mutinta, explained that during the rainy season, residents upstream faced serious difficulties crossing the river. Children missed school, pregnant women struggled to reach health facilities, farmers were cut off from markets, and entire communities became isolated when water levels rose. The MBILA Bridge now provides a safe, reliable crossing for all residents, reducing these disruptions and improving access to critical services.
Mutinta described the bridge as a demonstration of the New Dawn Government’s development approach, which prioritizes people, inclusivity, and improvements in quality of life across both urban and rural areas. He expressed gratitude to Bridges to Prosperity for partnering in the project, emphasizing that collaboration between government, private sector, civil society, and local communities was key to its successful completion.
Beyond providing safe passage, the bridge project also offered local youths, men, and women opportunities to acquire skills during construction, contributing to both human and physical development. Mutinta noted that as Itezhi-Tezhi grows, there is an increasing need for additional infrastructure, including safe river crossings, schools, health posts, and roads. He highlighted the limits of funding from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and called for continued partnerships to address remaining development challenges.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including Bridges to Prosperity Country Director Nachilala Nkombo, Itezhi-Tezhi Council Chairperson Oliver Sitengu, District officials Tobias Namatemba and Benson Bweenje, traditional leaders, and local community members.
Mutinta reiterated the importance of collaborative development, urging more partnerships to ensure projects are inclusive, sustainable, and transformative, capable of improving the lives of residents across the district. The MBILA Bridge stands as a model of community-centered infrastructure that combines immediate impact with long-term benefits.