VICE President Constantino Chiwenga yesterday officially
commissioned two Bailey bridges constructed by the South African National
Defence Forces (SANDF) and the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) at Kopa,
Chimanimani, a development expected to bring an economic boom to a district
that produces fruits, tea and timber.
The two bridges were donated to Zimbabwe by the South
African government after Cyclone Idai ravaged Chimanimani killing hundreds and
destroying infrastructure worth US$1 billion.
VP Chiwenga said construction of the bridges bores
testimony to South Africa’s “pure love” for Zimbabwe.
“The commissioning of the two Bailey bridges marks the
official handover of vital infrastructure constructed in a joint operation
between the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and the South African Defence Forces. Hence
today we witness the fruition of that special promise by a sisterly neighbour,
who quickly heeded the call to rescue us during the time of need,” he said.
VP Chiwenga said Zimbabwe was humbled by the commitment
shown by South Africa in restoring the livelihoods of the affected communities
through the donation and construction of the Bailey bridges.
“This gesture demonstrates pure love by our friends from
the Republic of South Africa. The construction of the two Bailey bridges marks
a new era in the restoration of livelihoods to the communities in Chimanimani
by investing in resilient infrastructure which will revive one of the economic
hubs of our nation. The bridges have reopened the convenient lines of
communication which Cyclone Idai had destroyed,” he added.
The VP challenged local companies contracted by Government
to repair roads and bridges in Chimanimani and Chipinge to emulate the joint
operation by the ZNA and the SANDF at Kopa, which completed their work on time.
“The South African Defence Forces demonstrated to other
companies the importance of building codes and seismic resistant
infrastructure. As we hand over the two bridges, it is my fervent hope that
those companies contracted to undertake permanent works on roads and bridges
should emulate the SANDF work culture so that they are able to complete the
projects on time,” said VP Chiwenga.
He said there must be no festive season break for the
companies considering the work at hand.
“I do not expect these companies to release their workforce
for shutdown over the festive season as this kind of work requires dedication
notwithstanding that it might also demand extra resources,” said VP Chiwenga.
Government engaged 17 contractors for the repair of roads
and bridges in Chimanimani and Chipinge.
VP Chiwenga noted that a lot still needed to be done to
ensure victims of the cyclone still living in tents have shelter.
“Government notes the huge gap which needs to be addressed
in that area of shelter, as most of the affected families are still living in
tents. Government will leave no stone unturned in order to provide shelter,
water, sanitation and health. Lessons learnt are that when relocating people in
affected areas there is need to worry about natural risks inherent to
geography. To this end, no relocation will ensue before a comprehensive
Geo-Spatial Report that guarantees safety of the people by strategic planners
of new settlements,” he said.
VP Chiwenga expressed optimism that houses would be built
for the victims at Greenmount, Nedziwa and West End Farm.
Paidamoyo turn-off has also been identified as a relocation
site and is still being assessed.
VP Chiwenga said Government was going to erect monuments at
Ngangu, Machongwe and Kopa in honour of those killed by Cyclone Idai.
“In line with our culture and tradition, as we bring
closure to this painful cyclone disaster, Government is going to erect
monuments at Ngangu, Machongwe and Kopa where names of all those who perished
will be inscribed on. The chiefs were consulted and have since performed their
rites as per tradition. Furthermore, Government will declare all missing
persons dead before the expiry of the usual stipulated five years as provided
by our laws,” he said.
South Africa’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Mphaka Mbete,
described the construction of the bridges as evidence of “practical cooperation
with our very important neighbour Zimbabwe”.
He said the bridges had cost his country R59 million.
“Today we are officially handing over (the bridges) marking
the end of the project. It cost South Africa over R59 million. This project is
a manifestation that we are one people and that the borders are artificial and
were imposed on our ancestors,” said Mr Mbete.
The handover of the bridges and commissioning was witnessed
by senior Government officials who included Defence and War Veterans Affairs
Minister Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri; Transport and Infrastructural
Development Minister Joel Biggie Matiza; Local Government and Public Works
Minister July Moyo; Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Dr
Ellen Gwaradzimba; Deputy Home Affairs Minister Cde Mike Madiro and
service chiefs.
The SANDF’s mission ran from July 23 to November 29 this
year. Herald
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