adminCletus Mushanawani News Editor
DEPUTY Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Cde Supa Mandiwanzira, has saluted the District Development Fund and the Nyanga South community for their dedication to duty which saw the reconstruction of the Nyamombe River Bridge. The bridge was badly damaged by rains in February 2012 and from that time thereby cutting off the two areas of Mapako and Ruchera. Villagers had to endure transport nightmares as most operators resorted to drop off passengers just before the bridge on the Mapako side.
Some daring villagers resorted to the use of tyre tubes to cross the mighty river, risking their lives in the process. The most affected were ill villagers as their relatives were left with no option but to carry them on their backs to access health facilities.
School children were also affected as some of them were forced to find alternative accommodation near schools, thereby fuelling behavioural problems prompted by juvenile delinquency.
After being elected Member of National Assembly for Nyanga South, Cde Mandiwanzira took the issue of the bridge as a priority and approached relevant stakeholders to ensure that it was repaired.
DDF made the bridge rehabilitation a top priority and the minister responsible, Cde Flora Buka, toured the bridge and work started in earnest and construction is almost 99 percent complete.
It is expected to be opened soon when all final touches are complete.
Speaking during a tour of the bridge last Friday, Cde Mandiwanzira said the Zanu-PF Government was development oriented and Nyamombe Bridge is one such testimony.
“I want to thank DDF for prioritising this project. When I was elected into office, I made this bridge reconstruction project my top priority area and approached the relevant stakeholders who also agreed that it was necessary to intervene.
“As you might be aware, I was on the media appealing for assistance and here we are today, everything has taken shape. The issue of infrastructure development is one of the key pillars of our economic blue-print Zim-Asset and in Nyanga Zim-Asset is working. This bridge is of paramount importance to Nyanga people as it helps them to take inputs to their respective homes as well as taking produce to the market.
“Besides that, the bridge helps people especially from Ruchera to easily access health facilities since there is one major clinic which is across Nyamombe River. Some people were resorting to the use of tyre tubes to cross the bridge. Now that construction is almost complete everyone is excited. I want to take this opportunity to thank the Government especially President Mugabe for prioritising infrastructure development,” he said.
Shadow councillor of the area, Mr Andrew Chikuni, also thanked the locals for their contributions in having the bridge repaired.
“We are happy with the unity of purpose shown by people of this area. Villagers contributed some of the building material like pit and river sand. Some even volunteered labour and we are happy to be gathered here today to witness the fruits of our sweat. We are happy to have a development-orientated legislator as bridges are now being repaired, while roads are being repaired. Some of the roads here were no longer accessible, but thanks to the good work of Cde Mandiwanzira, graders are now a common sight on our roads. Our MP recently donated 100 bags of cement towards the construction of Mapako Clinic and as villagers we are excited about this development.
“We are now appealing for the sinking of boreholes to improve sanitation, especially at Tamunesa, Mapako, Magarato and Saunyama schools,” he said.
Clr Josephine Machadu also acknowledged the good work being done by Cde Mandiwanzira.
“It appears that Government has finally remembered that we exist here in Nyanga South. Most of our schools are now electrified. We now have electricity at Ruchera Secondary School and business centre, something we never dreamt of. Our prayer is to have areas around Magamba electrified.
“Resurfacing of the road should reach Magamba area so that transporters like Zupco can ply that route. We are prepared to contribute fuel towards the grading of the road,” she said.
Cde Mandiwanzira said his next priority project was the construction of Mapako Clinic.
Online Reporter