Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
ONGOING road rehabilitation and bridge construction projects in Chipinge District are improving accessibility and strengthening prospects for economic growth, as Government steps up infrastructure development under the Second Republic.
In Chipinge East, reconstruction work is underway on the Nyaunhombo Bridge, which was washed away by floods in March. The bridge serves as a key link for surrounding communities, providing access to Chikore Mission Hospital, Chikore High School and other social services.
Local residents say the bridge is central to economic activity and daily movement, particularly during the rainy season when access to schools, health facilities and markets is often disrupted.
Another bridge along the Muswirizi River has been completed as part of efforts to improve road infrastructure in the district. The structure is expected to ease movement, improve access to health services and support trade, which had previously been affected by flooding.
The projects have also created short-term employment opportunities for local youths, some of whom have gained construction skills through their involvement.
Residents have further welcomed the rehabilitation of the Chipinge–Mt Selinda Road, a key route linking the district to neighbouring areas. While progress has been noted, some community members have called for faster implementation, citing weather-related delays.
“We are happy that our bridge is now rehabilitated, and we are providing labour and bringing stones to ensure the bridge is reconstructed. The bus that used to use this route is no longer coming, and we are happy that the bridge is being rehabilitated,” a villager said.
“When it rains, students are not able to go to school, affecting their pass rates. We thank President Mnangagwa for the support,” a parent said.
“We mobilised resources to construct this bridge. This bridge is important to us as it connects Chikore Mission School and Hospital, as well as other schools. It also facilitates trade,” a community member said.
Member of Parliament for the area, Hon Lincoln Dhliwayo, said the rehabilitation of the 35-kilometre Chipinge–Mt Selinda Road was long overdue, noting that it was the first major resurfacing of the road since 1980.
He said the project would help commercialise the Mt Selinda Border Post, decongest the Forbes Border Post, and significantly shorten the distance between Beira and South Africa by nearly 300 kilometres.
“Chipinge Mt Selinda road is about 35 kilometres long, but we are happy that the road is being rehabilitated. I want to thank President Mnangagwa for his support here in Chipinge. This is the first time this road has been resurfaced since 1980. The first 15 kilometres are being worked on. We are appealing for the first 15 kilometres to be urgently completed. The road rehabilitation will help to commercialise the Mt Selinda border post and decongest the Forbes border post. The road will shorten the distance from Beira to South Africa by almost 300 kilometres,” he said.
Road rehabilitation works are also ongoing in other parts of the district, including the Murambinda-Birchenough Road in Buhera, as Government continues to prioritise infrastructure development as a driver of socio-economic growth.
