The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa and Stephen Ephraem in Chipinge
FORTY-TWO kilometres from Tanganda Halt towards Chisumbanje on the Ngundu-Tanganda Highway is Mwacheta Turn-Off. Travelling a further 15km on the Mwacheta-Chibuwe earth road is Chibuwe High School. And turning southwards for another three kilometres is Dakate Bridge, the project of the moment.
Officially opened by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs for Manicaland Honourable Monica Mutsvangwa on 12 May this year, the 100m long Dakate Bridge is a true testimony of how the Zimbabwean Government is taking development to needy communities.
Constructed deep in the communal areas of Chipinge’s Ward 20 where most people didn’t witness its progress, the bridge shows how development partners can work hand-in-glove with the Government in bringing smiles to folks in remote areas.
Funded by the humanitarian organisation, Red Cross, Dakate Bridge was built at a cost of $69 000 with Chipinge Rural Council, District Development Fund, Department of Public Works, Ministry of Roads and Ministry of Defense providing the technical expertise.
The bridge plays a pivotal role in alleviating community problems. Before its construction, people of Dakate used to be cut off from Chibuwe Township whenever the river flooded. Dakate people access transport, shops, grinding mills, health services and schools in Chibuwe.
Councillor for Chipinge Ward 20, Charles Mugidho expressed gratitude at the construction of Dakate Bridge. He said: “When we sat as a ward to identify environmental problems affecting us, the people of Dakate singled out flooding as the most outstanding.
“We approached Red Cross with a bridge construction proposal. The organisation responded well and this is where we are today,” concluded Cllr Mugidho.
President for Red Cross in Zimbabwe, Mr Edison Mlambo commented women for their role in the bridge project.
“I am humbled by how Dakate women contributed in this project. I urge all other women to take leading roles in development projects elsewhere,” he said.
In a speech ready on her behalf by deputy director for provincial affairs in her office, Mr Terrence Machocho, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs for Manicaland, Honourable Monica Mutsvangwa applauded Red Cross for its humanitarian efforts in Manicaland.
