The government of Zimbabwe has allocated 21 contracts for the reconstruction of road infrastructure damaged by Cyclone Idai in Chimanimani and Chipinge. The cyclone was a vicious sweeping in Zimbabwe at high speed destroying anything in its way, uprooting trees and destroying bridges and roads. This resulted in most parts of Chimanimani being cut off and the area becoming in inaccessible by road at a time when the majority required help and food assistance.
Construction of bridges and roads in chimanimani
The Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Joel Biggie Matiza toured construction sites across Chimanimani to get an appreciation of progress made and to impress upon the Government’s desire to see works completed before the onset of rains.
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“After the successful completion of temporary access roads, we are now moving on to permanent structures. This is the beginning, as you see the contractors are there on site. We have 21 contracts that we have issued out for sections that need to be done,” he said.
“This work is being done now and that is why I am here to make sure I see the progress. We want to make sure that the target date is met. The equipment that is here is sufficient enough to work. On this part, they will take eight weeks to complete.” he added.
In addition to that, the leader of the South African military delegation, Lieutenant-Colonel Delnot Njoko said the arrival of the equipment will enhance progress at the site as the target remains, to have the restoration works complete before the onset of the next rainy season towards the end of the year. The South African engineers will be constructing Bailey bridges across rivers, including the Rusitu and Nyahode Rivers.
