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Mucheke-Masvingo residents have come out guns blazing on Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Felix Mhona for lying to them that the comstruction of Mucheke bridge would be completed by 31 October this year as construction of the bridge is still on and far from completion.
Responding to a question in Parliament from Masvingo urban Member of Parliament, Martin Mureri, in July, the Minister said the construction which is part of the widening of Nyamapanda- Beitbridge highway was above 60% and government will meet its 31 October target.
“The contractor is on site with work going on and as of May 2025 progress on the main bridge had reached 60%. The projected date for completion of Mucheke Bridge is 31 October 2025,” Minister Mhona told Parliament during a question and answer session then.
However the government has failed to meet the target leaving residents fuming accusing the Minister of deliberately misleading the nation.
“Construction work is still on, this was a lie he told the nation in Parliament , our Minister has to be reprimanded for misleading us , as of now the bridge cannot even be completed by year end,” said Tapiwa Magwede of Mucheke high density suburbs.
Residents say completing the bridge this year will be a miracle since the country has reached another rain season that is set to disrupt construction work for a number of months.
Masvingo United Residents and Rate Payers Alliance (MURRA) , Chairperson, Thomas Mbetu expressed displeasure over the issue.
“As MURRA, we are deeply disappointed. The Minister’s July promise for an October 31st completion has been broken, and the now-impossible deadline, with the rains upon us, shows a disregard for the truth.
This pattern of empty promises erodes public trust. We urge the government to stop making statements for political convenience. Commitments must be based on rigorous research and evidence, not wishful thinking,” said Mbetu
He added that MURRA requests the Minister to come up with a realistic deadline.
“We demand a new, realistic, and publicly shared timeline for Mucheke Bridge. The people deserve a government that is honest and delivers on its word. Accountability and transparency are non-negotiable,” he added.
The construction of the bridge is being done by Masimba Construction Company and work commenced in April 2024 to date.
The bridge is critical in connecting Masvingo to the rest of the country including regional countries like South Africa, Zambia, DRC to mention a few.
Motorists and residents have been facing traffic congestion on the narrow bridge that is currently in use, built during the colonial era by the Rhodesians almost over 60 years ago.
During the rainy season motorists endure long hours in congestion on the bridge especially during rush hours, a situation that has been affecting residents and the ease of doing business.
The congestion also affects residents daily when going and coming from work.
Masvingo urban MP Martin Mureri also said the Minister lied.
“I will make a follow up but it’s clear that he chose to lie in Parliament not only to the people of Masvingo urban but to the nation and region at large,” said Mureri.
Efforts to get a comment from Minister Mhona were fruitless.
