Chitungwiza – A new culvert bridge constructed behind Chaminuka Primary School in St. Mary’s Constituency is set to be officially handed over to the Chitungwiza Municipality next week, marking the completion of a critical community infrastructure project spearheaded by local Member of Parliament, Hon. Brighton Mazhindu.

The project, implemented under the 2024/2025 St. Mary’s Community Development Action Plan, directly addresses a long-standing safety hazard. For years, residents, and particularly schoolchildren, navigated a treacherous open drainage channel that became impassable during rains, disrupting education, commerce, and emergency access.

In a project report, MP Mazhindu outlined the rationale, stating the makeshift crossing caused “disruption of school attendance,” “increased risk of accidents and injury,” and delays for emergency services. The newly constructed bridge is designed to provide a safe, all-weather crossing for pedestrians and vehicles, enhancing connectivity to the school, local markets, and healthcare facilities.

The project was characterized by extensive community involvement. Planning involved consultations with the Ward Development Committee, local councillors, school leadership, and community groups. Technical assessments were supported by engineers from the Chitungwiza Municipality.

“The Culvert Bridge Project… is a clear demonstration of how targeted local infrastructure investments can drive educational access, public safety, economic mobility, and community cohesion,” Mazhindu stated in the report. He commended the collaborative efforts of Spotmat Investments, the Municipality, local leaders, and community members.

The implementation was not without challenges, including material procurement delays and disruptions from an unattended sewer manhole. However, the report highlights key lessons learned, emphasizing that “early and continuous community involvement is essential to project success.”

Expected outcomes from the bridge include the elimination of seasonal access barriers, enhanced safety for over 500 Chaminuka Primary School students, and improved mobility for market traders and emergency services. The report recommends the government continue prioritizing such community-based projects through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and institutionalize community oversight committees for future works.

The formal handover to council next week will transfer the asset’s maintenance and oversight to the Chitungwiza Municipality, cementing the project’s shift from construction to sustained community benefit.