By Munacho Gwamanda-Another bridge constructed under the Emmerson Mnangagwa regime has collapsed, raising fresh concerns about corruption and the poor quality of government-funded infrastructure projects.
The Sesame Bridge in Gokwe South District, Midlands Province, rebuilt by the Ministry of Transport after being destroyed by heavy rains in December 2023, has once again succumbed to rainfall.
Gokwe South Rural District Council (RDC) CEO, Jabulani Gute, confirmed the collapse on Monday, attributing it to the absence of crucial structural reinforcements.
“The bridge was weak because it didn’t have gabions,” Gute told The Mirror. Gabions are containers filled with rocks, concrete, or other materials used to stabilise and reinforce structures against erosion.
Gute added that the heavy rains also partially damaged the Manhede Bridge in Mapfungautsi Constituency, although it remains usable. “We have recorded some rainfall-related challenges in our area. Sesame Bridge was washed away again due to the heavy rains and the failure to include gabions in its construction,” he explained.
He emphasised that repairing the bridge during the rainy season is impossible due to high water levels. “We’ve temporarily closed the bridge until the rainy season ends. At that point, we can properly assess the damage and prepare the bill of quantities (BOQs) needed for repairs.”
The collapse of Sesame Bridge is not an isolated incident.
Several bridges and roads built under Mnangagwa’s administration have failed, sparking public outrage.
Observers point to corruption as the root cause, with government tenders allegedly awarded to unqualified contractors who deliver substandard work.
In recent years, reports have surfaced of contractors cutting corners and misappropriating funds meant for infrastructure development.
This trend has left communities vulnerable, as poorly built roads and bridges fail to withstand seasonal rains.
Critics have also accused the Mnangagwa government of prioritising political patronage over public safety.
While millions of dollars are allocated to infrastructure projects, the lack of oversight and quality control has made such investments a glaring example of inefficiency and waste.