Broke Mnangagwa Administration Fails To Fund Bridge Construction… – Eduzim News

Tinashe Sambiri – The government has allocated ZiG30 million, approximately US$1 million, toward the long-awaited construction of the Chilonga River Bridge, a crossing widely regarded as one of the most hazardous in the country.

However, the funding has raised concerns as previous projections indicate that building the bridge could require tens of millions of United States dollars, far exceeding the amount currently set aside.

The issue was discussed during a national budget public consultation meeting held at Chitsanga Hall on Friday.

Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Budget and Finance chairperson Clemence Chiduwa said authorities had taken note of appeals from Chiredzi residents who have repeatedly called for the bridge to be prioritised.

Chiduwa explained that the allocation came after a proposal was raised by a member of the community during the consultation process.

“The proposal was made by one of you, Jonathan Shonhiwa, that Chilonga Bridge should be allocated money for its construction and as such government has allocated ZiG 30 million towards the construction of the bridge,” said Chiduwa.

“I am sure the engineering team is already deployed to assess the bridge, and the money will go towards initial design works.”

He added that authorities intend to provide further funding in the coming years as part of a phased plan to complete the project.

“There are plans to allocate another ZiG54 million in 2027 and ZiG75 million in 2028 for the Chilonga Bridge,” he said.

The original Chilonga Bridge was destroyed in 2000 during the devastating Cyclone Eline floods. More than two decades later, the structure has not been rebuilt, forcing communities to continue using dangerous alternatives to cross the river.

Over the years, several people have reportedly lost their lives while attempting to cross the flooded Chilonga River, with some resorting to improvised boats and makeshift canoes to get to the other side.

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