daniel chigunwe
Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
THE Government has availed $90 million for the construction of a new concrete reinforced Siyoka Bridge, which is a vital link to Beitbridge West Constituency and the rest of the country.
Accessing parts of Wards 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 had become a nightmare for motorists and members of the community after being washed away by heavy rains of a causeway along the Makhado to Whunga road in January last year.
According to the 2012 census, the six wards have an average population of 6 000 people each. The new bridge project is being constructed by the District Development Fund as part of the amplified Emergency Roads Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP).
DDF’s acting director for Engineering Services, Engineer Goodwell Mapako said the new bridge would cost an estimated US$2,5 million ($300 million).
“After the collapse of the Siyoka causeway, it became prudent that we construct a better structure so that we keep all areas connected around Beitbridge district and Matabeleland South province,” he said.
“The old structure gave in to the effects of weather and it is now history, but it has given us an opportunity to build back better.
“We have identified a suitable site where we are still carrying out ground investigations and we intend to build a reinforced concrete bridge, which is actually different from the causeway that collapsed across the river.”
Eng Mapako said so far they had received $90 million to start the project and they expected to get more funds soon.
He said with funds available, they will complete the project in the next 12 months.
Engineers and roads technicians, he said, were already hard at work on the ground.
“We want to build a high-level bridge, which we hope when we have constructed that bridge will make sure that the flood level of Mtshabezi River, is well below the deck of the brick,” said Eng Mapako.
“Our idea is to build an all-weather bridge during and off the rainy season. At the same time, we look forward to hiring the bulk of the labour from surrounding villages.”
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Deputy Minister Ruth Maboyi, who is also the legislator for Beitbridge West Constituency, said the collapse of the Siyoka causeway had brought agony to villagers.
She said it was important for DDF to give the project all the necessary attention it deserves considering the key role it played in enhancing the area’s economic development.
“Our economy here largely depends on livestock production and the state of affairs is affecting the community’s access to key markets or even procuring the necessary implements,” said Deputy Minister Maboyi.
Online Reporter