New Kukudu suspension bridge improves safe access to school, ending flood disruptions for students in Western Province.
Education and daily life at Kukudu Adventist School have been transformed following the handover of a new suspension bridge, ending years of disrupted schooling caused by high tides and seasonal flooding.
The bridge, which was officially commissioned yesterday, provides a secure link for hundreds of students and teachers who were previously forced to navigate hazardous conditions to reach the campus.
Jayrick Runiveto, the school’s principal, described the completion of the project as a major milestone for both the institution and the wider community. He noted that the crossing would eliminate the frequent delays that occurred when local waterways became impassable.
“The bridge is going to help us run school functions on time,” Mr Runiveto said. “In times of flood and high tides, students can now come to class early without missing their lessons.”
Beyond the classroom, the infrastructure serves as a vital artery for the region. The principal highlighted that the bridge would provide teachers and students with reliable access to the nearby medical clinic and local markets.
The project is also expected to bolster community life by ensuring that church activities and trade remain accessible during the rainy season. In an area prone to flash flooding, the elevated design of the bridge offers a resilient solution to the climate challenges facing rural education in the Western Province.
The handover is part of a broader effort to enhance livelihoods and ensure that education in flood-prone districts is no longer dictated by the weather.
By Steven Kamoa
