🚧 Traffic Gridlock Worsens in Masvingo as Mucheke Bridge Project Drags On

Motorists and residents in Masvingo are facing growing frustration as traffic congestion intensifies due to the continued delay in completing a second bridge over the Mucheke River.

Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Masvingo Province, Addmore Pazvakavambwa, has acknowledged the public outcry, saying congestion has become so severe that police officers are now required to manage traffic for up to 12 hours a day.

Masvingo’s central business district is divided from its southern and western suburbs by the Mucheke River, with only one functioning bridge currently serving the entire area. The bridge also carries heavy traffic from Harare and northern Zimbabwe heading towards Beitbridge and South Africa, making it a critical national route.

Construction of a 50-metre second bridge began in August 2022, but nearly three years later, the project remains unfinished. This is despite assurances by authorities last year that the bridge would be opened before November.

Thousands of vehicles use the crossing daily, and without police intervention, traffic would be nearly impossible to manage. Pazvakavambwa said delays were mainly caused by rainfall and insisted government is pushing the contractor to speed up completion.

“We understand the frustration residents and motorists are experiencing. The rains affected progress, but we are engaging Masimba Construction to ensure the bridge is opened to traffic as soon as possible,” he said, adding that no exact opening date has been set.

Masvingo Urban Member of Parliament Martin Mureri (CCC) criticised the lack of communication, accusing authorities and contractors of failing to update stakeholders on the delays.

“Someone is clearly not doing their job. What makes it worse is the absence of communication. I have tried to contact the Minister of Transport without success, and if this continues, I will personally seek answers when Parliament resumes,” Mureri said.

The situation has disrupted public transport, with kombi operators now dropping passengers near the bridge due to congestion. Traffic challenges have been compounded by the closure of the low-lying Chimusana Bridge near Chitima Fruit and Veggie Market, which previously eased pressure on the Mucheke crossing.

Although a new bridge is also under construction at Chimusana, work reportedly stalled in November, further worsening traffic chaos in the city.

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