By 
President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday officially opened Karanda bridge in Mt Darwin, Mashonaland Central Province.The opening attracted controversy while others commended the act and also criticized it for wasting time on low standard projects.
According to Permanent Secretary of Information Publicity and Broadcasting , Nick Mangagwa, the bridge massively reduces the distance from Bindura to Mt Darwin using Rushinga Road while making it easier to access Karanda hospital.
Following the commissioning President Mnangagwa posted on social media commending the act and promising more in future.
“Zimbabweans, our roads are in a state of emergency, it pains me to see so many potholes on our once great highways. “
“We must act urgently today my government committed ZW$33.6 billion to rapidly rehabilitate 10,000 kilometres of Zimbabwe’s roads. I will not let you down,” he said.
However, the Karanda bridge commissioning stirred blasting and mixed feelings on social media platforms.
Investigate Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono said , “ Karanda bridge is an example of LOOTING! Media reports say $5.1 million was allocated.
“Due to incompetence the bridge was swept away in 2019 ,More money was allocated, then we ended up with what the President opened yesterday which is on the right picture.”
“Grand INCOMPETENCE!, “ he said.
One comment on Twitter reads.
“That small bridge those are the work of Sabuku or councils than to waste our taxpayer money for that shit shows the highest level of incompetence by the Mnangagwa Gvnt are you not shamed of that celebration that small bridge as a achievement hence the road itself its dust.”
Another one went on to say.
“The money spent by all these looters to get to Karanda Bridge is enough to have expanded that bridge so that at least two cars going in opposite directions can do so safely. What a waste of money for all of them to come to this shameful celebration.”
Some expressed good sentiments over the new development.
One tweets reads:
About that Bridge. There are a few things to consider.
- The people of Karanda will no longer use a longer route.
- Kids will no longer miss school because of flooded rivers.
As to sustainability and cost, that is a separate debate.
I have no comment on the official opening.
One went on to tweet that ,” Those who have been to Karanda (obviously ne nhamo dze kurwarirwa) will appreciate the mitigation here.”
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