By Tatiana Mhararira
Since 2000, Madzive River Bridge that connects villagers from Hari, Mbeva and Mutonhodzi areas in Masvingo North has not been repaired and villagers are appealing to authorities to intervene.
The bridge, which connects roads network in Mbeva, Hari and Mutonhodzi villages, has an economic value since it links the community to Masvingo town where they access a number of services as well as selling their fresh farm produce.
Speaking to TellZim News, Ward 14 Councillor Misheck Nzvinginya whose ward the bridge is located said it is a vital economic resource that connects communities for different programmes.
“Most villagers from Mbeva travel daily to Masvingo to sell sugarcane and vegetables, and the damaged bridge has disrupted their economic activities because low lying vehicles struggle to cross through the temporary crossing point and it is worse during rainy season when the river gets flooded,” said Nzvinginya.
“Transporters who ferry villagers to and from Masvingo also face challenges, as the poor condition of the bridge has led to increased vehicle repairs, and the burden is felt by villagers as transporters transfer this cost to the villagers by increasing the fares,” Nzvinginya added.
During the rainy season, villagers on the other side of the bridge struggled to access essential services such as the grinding mill which is on the other side of the river.
A local villager Noah Machote said the situation was also affecting learners who cannot cross the river to school when there are floods.
“Most vehicles do not cross the bridge, and we are often forced to carry the sick on our backs to Zano Clinic, we have lost patients on their way to the clinic.
“The poor road network has also limited the movement of leaners to Makwavo and Zano schools, leading to increased absenteeism during the rainy season,” said Machote.
The prolonged abandonment of the bridge has had a significant impact on the economic and social well-being of the surrounding communities, highlighting the need for urgent intervention to repair the critical infrastructure.
