Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
VILLAGERS around Tanganda area in Chipinge West constituency have appealed for the speedy repairing of the bridge leading to their shopping centre which was damaged during the devastating Cyclone Idai in 2019.
Apart from revenue being lost by businesses operating at Tanganda Halt, as most vehicles now bypass the business centre, the bridge which crosses Tanganda River is also used by school children attending classes at Tanganda primary and secondary schools.
The learners are now in danger of being swept away if Tanganda River floods.
Mrs Kanyera Murimbechi said: “We are strongly appealing to the Government and development partners to consider our plight. This bridge was destroyed by Cyclone Idai in March 2019 and it is still to be repaired.
“This bridge is really useful to us. We are losing business because trucks are now bypassing our business centre, while our children are now at high risk crossing the river on their way to and from school.”
Mr Tapiwa Nyamudeza, who runs a bar and a grocery shop at Tanganda Business Centre, said: “I think it is time the bridge’s repair is prioritised. There is no way we can develop as a community with this bridge in this state.
“Businesspeople are now having a torrid time to replenish their stocks. Our usual customers are also now bypassing the business centre. Parents are having a torrid time accompanying their children to school, especially those in primary school because crossing the river is risky.”