Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Manicaland Bureau
While a footbridge might seem a small development project to many in the 21st century, for folks in the remote Nyatsanza, Manyau villages of Mutasa Central Constituency’s Ward 17, the relief brought by the construction of a US$30 000 footbridge across Odzi River is immeasurable.
Learners could not attend school for the greater part of the rain season when Odzi River is usually full.
Medical and other crucial social services would not reach these marginalised communities during the same period.
The villages, with roughly more than 4 000 people, would simply be cut off from the rest of the country.
However, through financial and technical intervention of a non-profit making organisation Africa Trust as well as administrative input of local legislator
Professor Innocent Benza, the construction of a durable footbridge will enhance connectivity for the two marginalised areas.
Africa Trust director Mr Livermore Mandimutsira said: “The completion of the construction of this footbridge is a significant milestone, for the people of Ward 17.
“It underscores the significance of developmental milestones spearheaded in Mutasa Central Constituency. “As Africa Trust, are proud to be associated with progressive political leadership in the constituency led by Professor Benza.
His office has managed to create an enabling environment for developmental projects.”Guest of honor Professor Benza, said: “Stone by Stone, step by step, the developmental initiatives are underway in Mutasa Central.
“These are valuable strides in elevating living standards of the entire constituency.”
The ruling ZANU PF District Coordinating chairman Cde Washington Ziwiwi said: “We truly appreciate the valuable work carried out by the Africa Trust in championing infrastructural development in our constituency.
“As a development partner, Africa Trust is working hand in hand with our Member of the House of Assembly’s office and because of that you are rest assured that the dominance of the vibrant ZANU PF revolutionary party is profoundly resolute.”
Mutasa Rural District Council chairman Councillor Paddington Nemaunga said: “As a local authority we are elated that we have development partners like Africa Trust who are working well with relevant political and civic offices in order to bring development in our area. As a local authority we will continue playing our part in
creating an atmosphere and environment that makes their work easier.”
Headman Mudzindiko, who represented Senator Chief James Mutasa, at the event: said: “We want to thank all stakeholders who came together to make this happen.
“You will never know how much we appreciate this given the challenges we have always faced in this area.”
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