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Freedom Mupanedemo-Midlands Bureau
THE construction of Dombwe Bridge in Shurugwi is almost complete, with constructors at the site saying the new bridge would be ready next week.
Mr Herbert Chirau, the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) provincial roads manager, said they were working on seven more major bridges in Midlands Province.
The bridge is being built across Zhovoringo River and connects Shurugwi District with Lalapanzi.
When complete, the road will reduce the distance from Shurugwi to Mvuma by about 40km.
The project is being spearheaded by RIDA under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme.
Mr Chirau said the project started last year.
“We are very happy that the superstructure is now complete. We are only left with laying the surface and the guys are already halfway.
“All the materials are now on site and as such, I can safely say we will meet the target without much effort,” said Mr Chirau.
He said RIDA was working on four other bridges in Mberengwa and Gokwe North and South, all of which are nearing completion.
Local communities are heavily involved in the construction of the bridges.
Mrs Loveness Manoti, a casual worker at the project said: “I am happy to be part and parcel of this project.
“I am from the local community and I am proud that when complete, history will record that I was part of this great job that has been done in my community.”
Another villager, Mr Amos Rimisai, said the bridge will help improve connectivity with other districts.
“I am happy that they are finally finishing this bridge. We used to have problems particularly with children going to school during the rainy season.
“We also used to face transport problems and this bridge will help ease access to other areas,” said MR Rimisai.
Mr Manuel Musakwa, another casual worker at the bridge, said he was benefiting from the construction works.
“I am happy that for the time being, I am having a decent job. All this time I have been in the jungle trying to make ends meet through illegal mining.
“However, all this is now a thing of the past as I got this employment opportunity,” he said.
Under ERRP2, Midlands Province, through RIDA, has completed the construction of eight other bridges while seven others are at advanced stages as the Second Republic continues to implement the inclusive development agenda.
leeroy
Online Reporter