Gwanda community rallies to build and repair damaged bridges

By Kelvin Kutinyo

Residents of Gwanda have united in a spirit of community and resilience to undertake a vital rehabilitation project. This initiative focuses on constructing a footbridge and repairing one main bridge that has been severely damaged due to aging and devastating floods.

The yet to be buit and rehabiliated bridges play a vital role in the daily lives of residents, with one of the bridges serving as a critical crossing point for school children from Jahunda and Phakama primary schools, highlighting the urgency of the rehabilitation project.

The deplorable condition of the bridges has forced children and their guardians to take risky detours, sharing roads with vehicles, which exposes them to serious safety hazards and potentially life-threatening situations.

Mr Akim Mpofu, former SDC Chairperson at Jahunda Primary School, emphasized the urgent need for attention on local bridges, stressing their critical importance to the community.

“It is a cause for concern that the Manz’amnyama river is always flooded these days and the children are either missing their lessons or they are dismissed early at school to go back home when floods are anticipated.There is need to construct a foot bridge for safer use because a lot of children from Jahunda primary and Phakama primary cross the river daily.”

“Another challenge is that parents and guardians are left with no choice but to use an unsafe route that has traffic since there is no other bridge that takes our children to school except for the one that goes via Ultra and another one that connects to town,” said Mr Mpofu.

Another key bridge identified for repair connects the Hlalanikuhle and Jahunda medium density areas, situated adjacent to the dumpsite, highlighting the need for urgent restoration to ensure resident safety and accessibility.

Several individuals and organizations have generously donated materials and funds to support the initiative, highlighting the strong spirit of generosity in the mining town. Among the donations, Councillor Thulani Moyo, the Mayor of Gwanda, contributed 10 bags of cement to help implement the plan. In total, the cause has received over 40 bags of cement, $100, one load of quarry material, and 10 brickforce from well-wishers.

The town of Gwanda is witnessing a surge in community-driven projects through the collaborative efforts of Isandla Somusa, a grassroots initiative spearheaded by residents and the Mayor. The unified approach is yielding tangible results, transforming the town and fostering a sense of community pride.