At least US$75 million is needed to construct a new bridge across the Runde River at Chilonga, to connect the Chikombedzi rural heartland to Chiredzi Town, according to a government official.
The low-level bridge was washed away when the Runde River overflowed during the recent rainy season; hence, the amplified calls for a higher, more resilient structure.
Chiredzi District Development Coordinator Lovemore Chisema said the Treasury has released US$2 million to repair the existing low-level crossing as a temporary measure to ease travel difficulties, while efforts to secure full funding for the new bridge continue. Said Chisema:
At least US$75 million is required to build a state-of-the-art all-weather bridge at Chilonga that will provide the shortest link between rural Chikombedzi and Chiredzi Town.
While mobilisation of the funds is ongoing, the Government released US$2 million to facilitate temporary repair work on the heavily damaged low-level crossing, which is preferred by most travellers because the route reduces the distance between rural Chikombedzi and Chiredzi Town by about 80km.
Each year, at least five people drown while attempting to cross the low-level bridge at Chilonga.
Another bridge downstream across the Runde River, located at Chipinda Pools in Gonarezhou National Park, has remained unusable since it was severely damaged by Cyclone Eline nearly 25 years ago.
More: The Herald
$75 million…seriously?
50% for bridge 50% for pockets