Tawanda Mangoma in Chiredzi
Government has deployed a team of engineers to carry out preparatory work for the construction of an all-weather $3 million Chilonga Bridge along Runde River in Chiredzi.

Besides building the bridge, there were also plans to construct a link road from Chiredzi Town to Boli-Muhlanguleni Business Centre, which was expected to create 100 jobs.

The existing Chilonga Bridge was too low and could easily be submerged by water during heavy rains, cutting off Chiredzi South from Chiredzi Town.

When The Herald visited the bridge yesterday, engineers were undertaking topographic surveys in preparation for the commencement of work on the new bridge.

Chiredzi South Member of Parliament Brigadier-General Callisto Gwanetsa (Retired) paid tribute to the Government of President Mnangagwa for coming to the aid of the people of Chiredzi South.

He said it was heartening to note that work on the bridge was finally going to start after several false starts in the past.

“We are very delighted that Government under the leadership of President Mnangagwa saw it noble to prioritise the construction of an all-weather bridge at Chilonga after people here had been clamouring for a new bridge over the past 20 years.’’

“The low-lying Chilonga Bridge had become a perennial death trap as villagers risked their lives using homemade canoes to cross to and from Chiredzi South during floods,” said Rtd Brig-Gen Gwanetsa.

He said a new bridge at Chilonga would make it easier for both human and vehicular traffic to move from southern Chiredzi to the district commercial capital.

“Every year, several people lose their lives while trying to cross this bridge during the rainy season when Runde River will be flooded. Businesses in southern Chikombedzi were also affected as it would be difficult to travel to and from Chiredzi for re-stocking,’’ he said.

Rtd Brig-Gen Gwanetsa said upgrading of Chilonga Bridge would economically transform southern Chikombedzi through increased commerce between the area and northern parts of the district.

“A new page has been opened, a page that will stimulate economic growth in Chiredzi as the new bridge will also provide a reliable gateway for traders visiting Mozambique’s capital Maputo.

“The new Chilonga Bridge will create easy passage to the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park and spur the speedy growth of Sango border town, which is now open for business following the completion of the de-mining exercise,” said Rtd Brig-Gen Gwanetsa.

Plans to upgrade Chilonga Bridge started gathering momentum in February this year after Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Joram Gumbo toured the low-lying bridge and promised that Government would finance building of a new all-weather structure.

Last week, Masvingo provincial administrator Mr Fungai Mbetsa announced that Government had released the first tranche of $500 000 to kick-start initial works at Chilonga Bridge.

Villagers in Chiredzi South resorted to using the low-lying Chilonga Bridge after an alternative bridge at Chipinda was washed away by cyclone Eline-induced floods in 2000.

An estimated 30 people lost their lives, while vehicles were swept away as they attempted to cross Chilonga Bridge, which spans the crocodile-infested Runde River, during floods.