-as construction commences
MILLICENT HUNGWE
MASVINGO–The construction of the Mucheke River Bridge which is expected to go a long way in reducing congestion in the ancient city has resumed and is set to open for traffic at the end of the year according to a senior Government official.
This landmark infrastructure development is expected to provide relief to the surging volume of traffic during peak hours.
The bridge under construction will have four lanes, with two lanes dedicated to each direction of travel.
According to acting deputy director of infrastructure planning and development, Clorence Matewe, Mucheke Bridge is being designed to last for 100 years, with a robust foundation system capable of withstanding natural disasters and extreme weather conditions.
This ensures the safety and resilience of the critical transportation infrastructure.
“The construction of the Mucheke Bridge is progressing well, and we are on track to meet our deadline of completing the project by the end of this year,” said Matewe.
He however noted that the pace of construction is dependent on the timely release of funds.
Matewe explained that the number of workers on site can fluctuate, as different specialists with unique skill sets are brought in to tackle specific tasks, such as blasting, steel installation, and other specialized jobs.
“It is challenging to provide an exact headcount of workers, as the construction process is a carefully orchestrated effort that relies on the collaboration of many different experts and contractors, each playing a crucial role in the project’s progress,” Matewe told The Midweek Watch.
In addition to the Mucheke Bridge, the government has also approved the construction of the Chimusana Bridge over the same river downstream, marking a significant milestone in the region’s infrastructure development.
Furthermore, plans are at an advanced stage for the proposed Rujeko Bridge, demonstrating the government’s commitment to investing in critical infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for local communities, he added.
