Masimba criticized for Mucheke bridge delays

Government has acknowledged growing frustration among motorists and residents over the prolonged delay in opening the second bridge across Mucheke River in Masvingo, as congestion on the existing bridge reaches critical levels, forcing police to control traffic for up to 12 hours a day.

Permanent Secretary for Masvingo Province, Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa, said authorities were fully aware of the challenges being faced and assured the public that pressure was being exerted on the contractor, Masimba Construction, to complete the project.

Masvingo's central business district is separated from its southern and western suburbs by the Mucheke River, with only one bridge linking the two sides. The bridge also serves as a major national transit route, carrying traffic from Harare and the northern parts of the country to Beitbridge and onward to South Africa.

Construction of the 50-metre-long second bridge began in August 2022, but nearly three years later the project remains incomplete. This is despite government officials indicating during a site visit last year that the bridge would be commissioned before November.

Thousands of vehicles use the existing bridge daily, and officials say traffic would be completely gridlocked were it not for constant police intervention.

"As Government, we understand the frustration of motorists and residents over the delayed opening of the bridge to traffic," said Pazvakavambwa. "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 yet in office, but the bridge should be open to traffic at the earliest," he added.

Masvingo Urban legislator Martin Mureri criticised Masimba Construction, accusing the company of taking the public for granted by failing to communicate with stakeholders on the reasons behind the delays.

"Someone is sleeping on the job and to rub salt into the injury, there is no communication to stakeholders," said Mureri. "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 Parliament opens."

Efforts to obtain comment from Masimba Construction were unsuccessful. Project manager Engineer Malvern Mnemo referred questions to Engineer Bandile Bennet, who could not be reached.

The congestion has had a direct impact on public transport, with some commuter omnibus operators now dropping passengers off on either side of the bridge, forcing them to cross on foot.

The situation has been further compounded by the closure of the low-lying Chimusana Bridge near Chitima Fruit and Veggie Market, which previously provided an alternative route for traffic to and from Mucheke. That bridge is currently impassable, and construction of a new replacement bridge there has also stalled since November.

With Mucheke Bridge being a critical link between Beitbridge and the rest of the country, residents and motorists continue to call for urgent action to ease congestion and restore smooth traffic flow through Masvingo.