Motorists Struggle With Traffic Chaos In Masvingo As Mucheke Bridge Remains Incomplete

The Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Masvingo Province, Addmore Pazvakavambwa, has acknowledged the frustration of motorists and residents over the delayed opening of a second bridge across the Mucheke River.

Traffic congestion has reached high levels, requiring police to control traffic for up to 12 hours a day.

Masvingo’s central business district (CBD) is separated from its southern and western suburbs by the Mucheke River, and currently, there is only one bridge across it.

The bridge is also the main route for traffic from the northern parts of the country and Harare heading to Beitbridge and South Africa.

Construction of a 50-metre-long second bridge began in August 2022. However, three years later, it is still not completed, even though government officials toured the site last year and said it would be commissioned before November.

Thousands of vehicles use the bridge daily, and without effective police control, the road would be almost impassable. Said Pazvakavambwa:

“As Government, we understand the frustration of motorists and residents over the delayed opening of the bridge to traffic.

“Works were delayed because of the rains and we want to assure the public that we are hard on the heels of Masimba Construction over the project.

“No specific date for the opening of the bridge to traffic has been given. We are coming from the festive season, and some people aren’t in the office yet. The bridge should be open to traffic at the earliest.”

Masvingo Urban MP Martin Mureri (CCC) said Masimba is taking people for granted by failing to inform stakeholders about the delay. He said:

“Someone is sleeping on the job, and to rub salt into an injury, there is no communication to stakeholders.

“I have been trying to get hold of the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Felix Mhona, for an explanation without success.

“If I don’t reach him, I will visit his office for an explanation when we open Parliament.”

In recent weeks, heavy congestion has forced local kombi operators to drop off passengers near the bridge.

The situation has been made worse by the low-lying Chimusana Bridge near Chitima Fruit and Veggie Market, which is now impassable and previously catered for transport to and from Mucheke.

A new bridge is also being constructed at that location, but work has stalled since November.

More: Masvingo Mirror