Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Zimpapers Reporter
VILLAGERS in Mberengwa District, Midlands Province, have urged Government to prioritise infrastructure development in their area in the forthcoming 2026 national budget, saying poor roads, bridges and service delivery facilities continue to hinder socio-economic development despite the district’s vast mineral wealth.
Mberengwa is one of Zimbabwe’s resource-rich districts, endowed with lithium, gold and chrome deposits, yet villagers say the community remains underdeveloped and largely disconnected from key amenities due to collapsed infrastructure.
A case in point is Jeka Bridge, which spans the Mwenezi River. The bridge was swept away by Cyclone Dineo in 2017, leaving communities cut off from schools, clinics and markets. Nearly eight years later, the bridge is yet to be reconstructed, forcing villagers to use dangerous makeshift crossings, especially during the rainy season.
The concern was raised during the five-day Parliament-led national budget consultations held in Mberengwa last week, where infrastructure emerged as one of the district’s top priorities. The consultations are meant to gather citizens’ input before Parliament tables recommendations for consideration in the 2026 National Budget.
Mr Nigel Mwazha from Mpesi Village said Mberengwa’s mineral resources have not translated into visible local development.
“As the Mberengwa community, we are calling on the Government to prioritise infrastructure development in the 2026 national budget. There is a need for improved bridges, roads, clinics, and service delivery facilities,” he said.
Ms Tsitsi Moyo from Mataga added that poor road conditions have crippled trade and access to services.
“The issue of bridges, like the one at Jeka, needs to be addressed permanently. We also have the one at Nyorooro, which connects the Mpesi area and it is in a bad state. Learners are affected during the rainy season, and it seems funding is not being channelled correctly,” she said.
Other villagers highlighted social protection and welfare issues, particularly the erosion of the National Social Security Authority (Nssa) pension pay-outs due to inflation.
“We ask for an increase in pensioners’ funds and better support for people living with disabilities. The rehabilitation of the West Nicholson Road should also be prioritised, as it offers a shorter and more economically viable route to South Africa,” said another participant.
Mr Mathew Siziba called for the establishment of drug rehabilitation centres and the upgrading of local clinics.
“Our clinics are few and often understocked with medication. Including the reconstruction of Jeka Bridge in the 2026 budget would not only improve access to health and education facilities but also boost local economic activities,” he said.
Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Budget and Finance member Mr Tanatsiwa Mukomberi said the consultations were an essential part of inclusive national planning.
