Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
COMMUNITIES in Zaka and Bikita are hopeful that plans to rehabilitate the Tokwe bridge, which was destroyed by heavy rains years ago, could soon take shape as efforts to address infrastructure challenges affecting the area gather momentum.
The tragedy induced by floods, which destroyed Tokwe Bridge, left communities in Zaka struggling to access Bikita, where most farmers sell their agricultural produce from the Fuve Panganai Irrigation Scheme.
Hope has, however, been renewed as the government has revealed plans to rehabilitate the bridge, a move expected to restore connectivity and improve livelihoods.
“This bridge is very important for us. We use it to go to Bikita to sell our produce and access services. Its reconstruction will greatly improve our lives and make travel safer,” Ms Kudzai Haruzvi said.
“We have faced many challenges since the bridge was destroyed. Farmers struggle to transport their produce to Bikita, and sometimes people risk crossing the river. We are happy that there are efforts to rebuild the bridge,” Ratidzo Chivasa noted.
“School children and villagers have been travelling long distances to reach services on the other side. The reconstruction of this bridge will bring relief and improve our livelihoods,” Chakazani Chris said.
The Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Honourable Davis Marapira, who is also Zaka Central legislator, assessed the situation and pledged support for the rehabilitation of the bridge.
“Government is committed to improving infrastructure in our communities. We are aware of the challenges that you are facing as a community, and we believe that soon we will witness the rehabilitation of this bridge. The reconstruction of Tokwe Bridge will restore connectivity between Bikita and Zaka while supporting farmers and businesses in the area.”
The legislator also donated 4 000 bags of cement towards the construction of the bridge.
Once completed, the reconstruction of Tokwe Bridge is expected to significantly improve accessibility and boost economic activities between Bikita and Zaka.
