Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
THE business community in Penhalonga, Manicaland Province, is set to breathe a sigh of relief as authorities move swiftly to repair the damaged Tsvingwe–St Augustine’s High School Bridge, with completion expected within the next ten days.
The bridge, which collapsed three weeks ago, has long served as a critical link for economic activities in Tsvingwe, connecting residents, schools, and mining operations on both sides of the road.
Its destruction forced vehicles to take lengthy detours, severely affecting business operations and daily commuting.
“This bridge was damaged three weeks ago after being constructed a long time ago. We are happy with the swift action by our local legislator Misheck Mugadza and the government led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to start reconstruction works. We were now using routes that are very far away to reach our destinations,” community member said,
“We want to thank our legislator Mugadza and President Mnangagwa for moving with speed to reconstruct this bridge. Its damage is causing a lot of travelling inconveniences,” a traveller said.
“This bridge is very important for everyone as its damage affected the movement of vehicles. The reconstruction works come as good news to residents, especially to our children who were facing challenges crossing on their way to school,” a parent said.
Manicaland Roads Construction Engineer Patrick Muropa says the road will be open for public use after a duration of ten days revealing plans to construct a bigger bridge along the same route which also links St Augustine’s high school.
“As the department of roads, we have come to repair the bridge using the whole of government approach so that we repair it in a short period of time. We are going to give the bridge 10 more days after pouring concrete for curing and we are appealing to residents to be patient with us during construction works. The bridge was deformed due to have loads and edging. This is a temporary phase and we are also going to construct a two barrel bridge at the same river course,” Engineer Muropa said.
Mutasa South legislator Advocate Mugadza who is also the Manicaland minister of state for provincial affairs and devolution also revealed the decision to construct a bigger bridge soon after repairing the old bridge.
“It was now impossible for vehicles to pass through this bridge but because of President Mnangagwa’s whole of government policy, relevant government departments and council among other stakeholders moved in swiftly following this emergency,” he said.
“We also agreed that this bridge will become a temporary crossing point as we are going to construct a bigger bridge next to this one to accommodate the huge volume of traffic passing this bridge. We have residential areas, schools and mines on the other side of the bridge. The new bridge is going to be constructed as soon as the repairing of this bridge is completed.
“We are happy that the mining community is assisting in the construction of the new big bridge that will add up to the new infrastructure constructed under the leadership of President Mnangagwa,” Honourable Advocate Mugadza said.
Meanwhile, major road construction works in the province are currently taking place along Birchenough-Murambinda road as well as Mt Selinda road as government forges ahead with its strides to improve road network within Manicaland province.
