Story by Providence Maraneli
THE people of Matobo North in Matabeleland North Province have lauded the Second Republic’s development orientation after the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) constructed Gonde and Mamombe bridges which have eased transport challenges in the area.
In normal cases, the onset of the rainy season brings with it prospects of a new life but for the communities around Nhatisa, Dhewe, Fumugwe and Njelele in Matobo North, it was the opposite with villages being cut off from critical services like schools, shops and clinics as a result of the flooded Gonde and Mamombe rivers.
However, it is no longer the case after the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency constructed Gonde and Mamombe bridges much to the delight of the community
“Once the rains start, you will be so sure that people from across the river would spend days without services like clinics and schools,” said a resident.
Another community member said, “I would have a lot of people sleeping at my house for days and school children living at my house because the river could not be crossed, RIDA has uplifted my burdens.”
A sound and good road network is critical for any development to take place, as such the construction of the two bridges is crucial for the development of Matobo North.
Matobo North Legislator, Honourable Edgar Moyo said, “We want to thank the new dispensation for bringing development to our communities, this means a lot to the people of Matobo. People are now able to access critical services).
RIDA Provincial Coordinator for Matabeleland South, Moment Malandu says RIDA is seized with various infrastructure development projects in various communities.
“Upon seeing the challenges these communities were facing, we constructed Gonde and Mamombe bridges and we are continuing with the construction of structures because there are other streams and rivers where we have to put bridges. We are also working on road rehabilitation in the area,” said Malandu.
RIDA, which is formerly the District Development Fund (DDF) is also involved in the provision of water through borehole sinking and setting up piped water schemes around the province.
