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Fungai Lupande Mash Central Bureau
The District Development Fund (DDF) has set aside over $1 million for the construction of Hambe Bridge in Mbire District which links Chitsungo Mission Hospital and the rehabilitation of Mahuwe-Mushumbi Road.

The parastatal has also partnered Youths Build Zimbabwe in the construction of Sapa Bridge in Mudzengerere area in the same district.

Hambe Bridge was swept away five years ago, isolating people during the rainy season.

DDF provincial roads manager Mr Emmanuel Chisanduro said $300 000 was set aside for the bridge and $375 000 for the road.

“There was a causeway bridge here, which was swept away five years ago.

“The bridge was affected by siltation and debris stuck in its holes. People were isolated during the rainy season,” said Mr Chisanduro.

“At the moment, we are using a detour and we assist those who fail to cross. We started constructing the bridge on February 1 and we are now at 30 percent.

“We are expecting to complete the bridge on August 31 before the onset of the rainy season.

“We are constructing a high level bridge which is 62 metres long. It is a three-span bridge and we have employed 27 local people.

“The bridge connects people to Chitsungo Mission Hospital. It is of no use to have a good bridge yet the road is not passable. We have also started putting gravel on 15km of the road. The road is slippery.”

DDF partnered with Youths Build Zimbabwe in the construction of Sapa Bridge in Mudzengerere area in Mbire.

Mr Chisanduro said the bridge connects Mahuhwe, Chidodo border post and Muzarabani and they expect to complete it by August.

“We have set aside $250 000 for the bridge and $200 000 for Madzomba-Masomo-Mungezi road. We have completed rehabilitating eight kilometres of the road and we are now at 80 percent on the bridge.”

Provincial head in the Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Ministry Mr Byl Manyange, said emphasis of the partnership is not on money, but on youths being involved in developing their area and getting skills.

“Instead of letting them go idle, we find work for them and orient them on national service. We partnered DDF in February this year and youths are recruited on DDF projects that have funding. They are provided with protective clothes and they get $5 per day.”