By A Correspondent-VICE President Constantino Chiwenga yesterday officially commissioned two Bailey bridges constructed by the South African National Defence Forces (SANDF) and the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) at Kopa, Chimanimani, a development expected to bring an economic boom to a district that produces fruits, tea and timber.

The two bridges were donated to Zimbabwe by the South African government after Cyclone Idai ravaged Chimanimani killing hundreds and destroying infrastructure worth US$1 billion.

VP Chiwenga said construction of the bridges bores testimony to South Africa’s “pure love” for Zimbabwe.

“The commissioning of the two Bailey bridges marks the official handover of vital infrastructure constructed in a joint operation between the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and the South African Defence Forces. Hence today we witness the fruition of that special promise by a sisterly neighbour, who quickly heeded the call to rescue us during the time of need,” he said.

VP Chiwenga said Zimbabwe was humbled by the commitment shown by South Africa in restoring the livelihoods of the affected communities through the donation and construction of the Bailey bridges.

“This gesture demonstrates pure love by our friends from the Republic of South Africa. The construction of the two Bailey bridges marks a new era in the restoration of livelihoods to the communities in Chimanimani by investing in resilient infrastructure which will revive one of the economic hubs of our nation. The bridges have reopened the convenient lines of communication which Cyclone Idai had destroyed,” he added.

The VP challenged local companies contracted by Government to repair roads and bridges in Chimanimani and Chipinge to emulate the joint operation by the ZNA and the SANDF at Kopa, which completed their work on time.

-StateMedia