The collapse of Chilonga Bridge in Chiredzi South due to the flooding of Runde River has left thousands of villagers stranded, with no direct access to Chiredzi town.
The Civil Protection Committee has since closed the road linking Chilonga and Chiredzi town to prevent motorists and pedestrians from attempting to cross the river. The bridge, which served as a vital link for communities in Chikombedzi and Majijimba, gave way under heavy flooding, making passage impossible.
Villagers have called for urgent assistance, saying the situation has become a recurring challenge every rainy season. “We need a high-rise bridge because every year during the rainy season, people drown while attempting to cross the flooded Runde River,” said a concerned villager.
Another resident highlighted the long-standing problem, pointing out that the destruction of Chipinda Pools Bridge in 2000 had already made travel difficult. “Now Chilonga Bridge has collapsed. We are appealing for a permanent solution because we will continue facing hardships in trying to reach Chiredzi town.”
The closure of the bridge has also forced villagers to use longer alternative routes, which are costly and inconvenient. “We cannot afford the bus fare to travel via Mwenezi and Mupapa. It is too expensive, especially for those who have to travel weekly. Some of us end up using boats, which are not safe, but we have no other option,” said another villager.
The situation has also affected farmers and government officials who frequently travel to Chiredzi South to provide services. Chiredzi District Agritex Officer, Mr. Tongai Bodi, said the collapse of the bridge will impact the transportation of essential farming supplies. “We have farmers in Chiredzi South who grow traditional grains, and as you know, we had an outbreak of the African Army Worm. We now face serious delays in delivering pesticides to them.”
He also noted that vegetable farmers at Chilonga Irrigation Scheme, who supply fresh produce to Chiredzi town daily, will be heavily affected. “With longer routes, their produce may no longer be fresh by the time it reaches the market, affecting their sales and livelihoods.”
Chiredzi District Development Coordinator, Mr. Lovemore Chisema, confirmed the collapse and stressed the urgent need for an all-weather bridge. “I can confirm that Runde River is currently impassable at Chilonga Bridge due to flooding. The structure has collapsed, and we urgently need a high-rise bridge to restore connectivity between Chiredzi town and areas like Chikombedzi and Majijimba.”
He also expressed concern over the safety risks villagers are taking. “Some are resorting to unsafe makeshift boats. This is dangerous, yet they have no other choice. Many residents need to access essential services like medical care and banking in Chiredzi town, but they are stranded.”
With the Chipinda Pools Bridge in Gonarezhou National Park having been destroyed years ago, travel options for Chiredzi South residents have become increasingly limited. Until a permanent solution is found, villagers will continue to face economic and logistical hardships, with no safe and direct route to Chiredzi town.
