Mucheke bridge under construction damaged by floods

A second key bridge under construction across the Mucheke River in Masvingo is feared to have sustained severe damage following today’s heavy floods. The bridge, being built by Masimba Construction, was scheduled for foundation completion before the rains began in October 2023, but progress has been slow, raising concerns about delays and cost overruns.

The flooding, which swept through the city today, is believed to have compromised the integrity of the construction site. Initial reports suggest that the damage could significantly increase the overall cost of the project, which was already facing delays.

Motorists were heavily affected by the situation, as the only operational Mucheke River Bridge became congested with long queues, with traffic backing up for hours. In addition, the Chimusana flat bridge, a low-lying bridge, was flooded, further limiting routes across the river and exacerbating the traffic nightmare.

The delay in the construction of the new bridge, coupled with the current damage, is likely to impact transport and trade in the area, especially given that the Mucheke River serves as a vital crossing for commuters and goods in Masvingo. The slow pace of work on the bridge, which was intended to improve infrastructure and ease traffic flow, has drawn criticism from residents and business owners who are facing mounting disruptions.

Masvingo authorities and Masimba Construction have yet to release an official statement on the extent of the damage or the next steps. However, with the floodwaters still receding, residents are left hoping that plans for swift repairs and completion of the bridge will be put in place to mitigate further disruptions in the future.