Bikita Minerals, the largest lithium producer in Zimbabwe, under the ownership of the Chinese company Sinomine, has announced its intentions to construct a new bridge over the Save River or Sabi River in place of the renowned Birchenough Bridge.
The decision to build a fresh bridge over Zimbabwe’s largest inland river, the Save, is a response to increasing worries about the condition of the 88-year-old Birchenough Bridge. Situated in Chimanimani District, the Birchenough Bridge serves as a vital connection between Manicaland Province and Masvingo and was originally built in 1935, bearing the name of Sir Alfred Birchenough.
At 329 meters in length, the single arch suspension bridge, when inaugurated, ranked as the world’s third-longest single arch suspension bridge. This distinction made it a matter of great national pride and a significant tourist draw.
Bikita Minerals’ proposal to replace the Birchenough Bridge with a new one falls under the company’s corporate social responsibility initiative. Apart from establishing a crucial connection between Masvingo and Manicaland provinces, the new bridge will also facilitate the smoother transport of goods and people from the eastern regions of Zimbabwe to South Africa.
Mr. Collen Nikisi, the public relations officer for Bikita Minerals, shared that the feasibility studies and designs for the forthcoming bridge over the Save River were nearing completion. Additionally, he mentioned that a group of Chinese civil engineers had recently inspected the construction site of the new bridge across the Save River.
Budget allocated for the construction of new bridge across save river
According to Mr. Nikisi, They have allocated a budget of US$10 million for this project, aiming to establish a crucial economic connection between Masvingo and Manicaland provinces. Moreover, the new bridge will ensure safe and secure travel to South Africa and Mozambique. The feasibility studies and designs for the new bridge are nearly finished, and a group of Chinese civil engineers recently conducted a site visit.
The lithium mining company Is currently awaiting government approval to proceed with the construction of the new bridge. This project aligns with the Government’s Vision 2030, aimed at establishing a prosperous upper-middle-income society in Zimbabwe by 2030.
Mr. Nikisi mentioned that they have already submitted a preliminary Memorandum of Understanding for the project to the government through the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development.
Bikita Minerals allocated a substantial sum of US$500,000 for the construction, repair, and upkeep of roads in Bikita and Gutu districts, given its location at the boundary between the two. Some of the roads that received attention from the lithium mining company included the Nyika-Kamungoma road, Beardmore-Rusununguko road in Bikita, and the Marinda to Makwirivindi road in Gutu.
To guarantee a continuous power supply for the local communities and businesses in Zaka, Gutu, and Bikita, Bikita Minerals has invested in the ongoing construction of the Zesa Tokwe powerline. This initiative aims to ensure a stable and reliable source of electricity in the region.
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