Dakate Bridge commissioned
THE Red Cross Society must be commended for its continued commitment to assist people in distress in fulfilment of its role as Government’s auxilliary as enunciated in the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society Act of Parliament No. 30 of 1981.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Cde Monica Mutsvangwa made the remarks in a speech delivered on her behalf by deputy director for provincial affairs in her office Mr Terrence Machocho at the commissioning of the $96 000 Dakate Bridge in Chipinge last week.
“On behalf of Government and Manicaland province, I would like to applaud the Red Cross for putting smiles on most Zimbabweans’ faces. The construction of this bridge deserves a thumbs-up because it came as a result of the problems that occurred when Dakate River flooded, leaving the people here facing a torrid time to access their needs.
“We also thank other partners Chipinge Rural Council, District Development Fund (DDF), Ministry of Roads and Public Works - who also took part in construction of this bridge, which is worth thousands of dollars,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
Villagers in Chibuwe’s Ward 20 in which the bridge was constructed worked with Red Cross Zimbabwe and other development partners for the successful completion of the project.
The programme is part of Red Cross’s disaster risk reduction preparedness and management, which helps communities in disaster-prone areas to prepare for and cope with natural disasters.
The commissioning of the 100-metrelong bridge brought relief to the villagers who failed to access services like education, health, transport and in some cases, agricultural farming areas each time Dakate River flooded.
The establishment and subsequent training of ward disaster management committees in Chibuwe by the Red Cross and District Risk Reduction Committee in 2013 enabled the locals to develop a community action plan, which identified flooding as their priority hazard in the area.
This culminated in the proposal to build the bridge to enable people free movement at all times.
Speaking during the same occasion, Zimbabwe Red Cross Society president Mr Edson Mlambo said the organisation would continue to avail communityowned disaster risk reduction mechanisms in areas prone to natural disasters.
Mr Mlambo commended Government for the unlimited humanitarian space it offered.
“Our message to all the suffering and disadvantaged masses across the globe is that we are here to support you no matter what you are going through; it could be a natural disaster, a health crisis or the effects of violence, we will be there for you always. We are indeed the brother’s keeper and we are always there whenever needed.
“We also appreciate the Government for the humanitarian space we continue to enjoy as its auxilliary,” said Mr Mlambo.
ZRCS ambassador Alick Macheso also attended the event and provided entertainment.