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Victor Maphosa In Nyamapanda
Work to repair Rwenya bridge severely damaged by Cyclone Eline in 2013 starts in a few weeks with the Second Republic determined to end the delays that bedevilled infrastructure repairs and maintenance in the past.
Located about 43 km south of Nyamapanda Border Post towards Nyanga, the bridge is a key link between Mashonaland East and Manicaland and its proper repair will ensure decent communication along the Mozambican border. The Rwenya Bridge is along the Nyamapanda-Rwenya Road, popularly known as Bhinya Road, along the border.
Yesterday, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona visited the damaged bridge to see the extent of the damage ahead of the repair works.
Minister Mhona said besides repairing Rwenya Bridge, his ministry will also rehabilitate the Rwenya-Nyamapanda road, which was damaged by heavy rains this last season.
He was accompanied by Mashonaland East Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution Senator Aplonia Munzverengwi and other senior Government officials from Mashonaland East Province.
“After the damage of this bridge some years back, movement of goods from this province to Manicaland became difficult. However, the ushering in of the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa has seen developmental programmes being implemented and given top priority.
“So we are here today because our President is a listening President. He knows that there is Rwenya Bridge issue. What I am saying is that soon, very soon the repairing of this bridge will start. Before the end of this year, Rwenya bridge works should be complete and the bridge usable.
“Today, you will see contractors here, who will bid for the job, provided they have enough equipment required for the repairing of the bridge and in two weeks, machinery will be brought here, marking the commencement of work,” Minister Mhona said.
The winner of the tender will have to work and deliver a quality product not a shoddy job which will tarnish Government’s image.
Minister Mhona said Government will also rehabilitate Nyamapanda-Rwenya road, for it to be accessible both for security reasons and for easier access to services by villagers from both provinces.
“We cannot have bridges where there are no good roads therefore we will also rehabilitate this road. It used to be a nice road, so we will rehabilitate it. We also urge the contractor who will repair this bridge and road to employ locals.”
Senator Munzverengwi commended the Government for the repairs and rehabilitation of Nyamapanda-Rwenya road and called for the work to be expedited.
“To President Mnangagwa, I want to say Thank You for answering to our requests and for being a listening President. Today, we are assured that our requests have been answered. This shows that the New Dispensation walks the talk, this bridge is important for economic development of our province and we are happy that finally it will be repaired.
“The most affected are school children who could not go to school when this river is flooded. Since the bridge is broken, they would not be able to cross the river to school. Our wish is for the bridge to be completed soon,” she said.
Online Reporter