By Beatific Gumbwanda
Chilonga Bridge, which crosses Runde River was on March 12, 2025 washed away, severing a critical connection between Chiredzi South and the Chiredzi Central Business District (CBD).
The bridge played a vital role in the district’s development, providing the shortest route from Chiredzi Central to Maputo through the Sango Border post.
Chiredzi District Development Coordinator (DDC) Lovemore Chisema who chairs the local Civil Protection Unit (CPU) confirmed the complete destruction of the bridge to TellZim News following its closure in February by authorities who anticipated its collapse.
“The bridge is severely compromised, destroyed, and no longer passable. Fortunately, we did not record any casualties,” said Chisema.
The collapse of the bridge has severely disrupted life in Chiredzi South, leaving communities like Chikombedzi and Majijimba isolated. The Runde River, which the bridge spanned, is now impassable, highlighting the urgent need for an all-weather, high-rise bridge to restore access.
The development has left thousands of Xhangani people stranded in Chiredzi South Constituency, cutting them off from Chiredzi Central Business District (CBD).
Originally built as a temporary solution after the collapse of Chipinda Bridge in Gonarezhou National Park in 2000, Chilonga Causeway has now met the same fate, swept away by the raging waters of Runde River, 25 years after the devastation caused by Cyclone Eline.
In February this year, Chisema warned motorists against using the causeway, even after water levels subsided, declaring it too dangerous.
Despite two decades of promises and annual budget allocations for its reconstruction, no action was taken by the central government.
Former Chiredzi South legislator, Retired Brigadier General Kalisto Gwanetsa, had pushed for its prioritization, leading to site assessments and design plans.
Current Chiredzi Central Member of Parliament, Ropafadzo Makumire, had been vocal in Parliament, lobbying for the bridge’s construction.
Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Joshua Sacco, promised that a new, standard bridge was going to be constructed, with four potential sites having been identified and budgeted for.
The bridge is a crucial link between Chiredzi South Constituency and Chiredzi Town, where residents access essential services such as birth certificates, banking, medical care, and business opportunities.
Tragically, its absence has resulted in numerous fatalities during rainy seasons. Among the lives lost were a three-year-old child whose body has never been recovered, a professional diver from the Buchwa Police Sub-Aqua Unit, a soldier, and several civilians.
As the Runde River continues to dictate the fate of the Chilonga Bridge, thousands remain stranded, with no immediate solution in sight.
