By Staff Reporter
People’s Unity Party (PUP) leader Herbert Chamuka has pledged to construct a bridge for residents of Matenda in Zvishavane after learning about the challenges they face crossing a local river, particularly during the rainy season.
Chamuka made the commitment during a recent visit to Matenda, where community members raised concerns about the poor state of road infrastructure and the dangers posed by the river when water levels rise.
Residents told the opposition leader that during heavy rains, the river becomes impassable, cutting off communities from essential services.
Some villagers revealed that they are sometimes forced to carry coffins by hand across the river when transporting deceased relatives for burial because vehicles cannot pass through the flooded crossing.
The situation has long been a source of concern for local residents, who say it affects access to healthcare facilities, schools, markets and other important services.
Responding to the concerns, Chamuka pledged to facilitate the construction of a bridge that would improve connectivity and reduce the hardships faced by villagers.
“We cannot ignore the daily struggles that people are facing. Development should not be a privilege reserved for a few communities.
“A bridge here will improve the lives of many families and ensure that people can move safely throughout the year,” said Chamuka.
Traditional leader Chief Blessing Matenda welcomed the pledge, describing it as a positive step towards addressing a long-standing challenge affecting the area.
“We are grateful for this commitment. The bridge will greatly assist our people, especially during the rainy season when movement becomes extremely difficult,” said Chief Matenda.
A local resident, aslo a PUP shadow councilor Jestina Makumbo, also expressed appreciation for the initiative, saying the community had endured the problem for many years.
“This is something we have been crying for. We are thankful that our concerns have been heard and that there is now hope for a solution,” she said.
The bridge project is the latest in a series of community-based initiatives associated with Chamuka. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he distributed food aid to vulnerable families in various communities.
Through his social assistance programme, popularly known as “Baba Pfuurai Napano,” Chamuka has also been providing food items and financial assistance to struggling households.
According to Chamuka, the programme was established to offer immediate relief to families facing economic hardships while longer-term development projects are pursued.
In addition, the PUP leader recently launched a housing initiative aimed at constructing two-roomed cottages for elderly citizens living in difficult conditions. The programme reportedly began in Makoni District in Manicaland Province and is expected to expand to other parts of the country.
During his visit to Matenda, Chamuka also pledged to provide food assistance to vulnerable families in the area, saying no community should be left behind in efforts to improve livelihoods.
Zimbabwe continues to face significant infrastructure challenges in many rural areas, with inadequate roads, bridges and public services often limiting economic opportunities and access to essential services.
Development experts have repeatedly highlighted the importance of rural infrastructure in improving livelihoods, reducing poverty and enhancing access to healthcare and education.
For residents of Matenda, Chamuka’s pledge has sparked optimism that a solution may finally be found to a problem that has affected generations.
As the community awaits the implementation of the project, villagers say the construction of a bridge would not only improve transportation but also restore dignity and safety to families who have long struggled with the challenges posed by the river.
