Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE construction of the Wanezi Bridge in Insiza District, Matabeleland South, has brought relief to villagers who had endured years of struggling to access critical services, schools and markets.
The bridge connects learners to Wanezi High School and Shamba Primary School, while also linking villagers to Skuta Business Centre.
It is also set to ease the movement of farmers operating at the newly established Wanezi Irrigation Scheme, enabling them to transport produce to buyers more efficiently.
For many villagers, the crossing had become a life-threatening ordeal during the rainy season. Ms Promise Dube, a villager, said schoolchildren were among the most affected.
“We are grateful for this bridge because it will ease the challenges we have been facing for years. During the rainy season, children often failed to get across the river and sometimes had to turn back home,” she said.
“As parents, we would even escort them to make sure they didn’t attempt to cross when the river was flooded. Sadly, some lives have been lost in the past. This bridge puts an end to those dangers.”
The bridge comes at a pivotal time for the community. Chairperson of the Wanezi Irrigation Scheme, Ms Chambika Nyamunganga, said the development allows farmers to transport their produce to markets more efficiently.
“The bridge has come at the right moment as our irrigation scheme is now operational. Without it, we would have faced serious challenges moving our produce to buyers, especially perishables. Now, clients can also access our scheme more easily,” she said.
Ward 9 councillor, Reason Msipha, said the bridge would not only boost education and farming activities but also stimulate wider economic growth in line with Vision 2030.
“Wanezi is a big river and during the rainy season, it was impassable, leaving both motorists and pedestrians stranded for hours. This bridge benefits not just the local community but also travellers using the highway that links several towns to Zvishavane and Beitbridge via West Nicholson,” he said.
Insiza District has historically faced infrastructure challenges due to its semi-arid climate and rugged terrain.
Seasonal floods disrupt transport and access to services, particularly in rural villages. The lack of reliable river crossings has limited economic activity and access to education, forcing many children to miss school during the rainy season.
The Community Climate Adaptation Water and Energy Project (Cawep), under which the bridge was constructed, seeks to address these challenges. The project also included the rehabilitation of Wanezi Dam, the establishment of the irrigation scheme, and the installation of a piped water system. Funded by the British Embassy, it is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with various Government departments.
@DubeMatutu
