Public Fury Over Zimbabwe’s R1.2 Million Premier Footbridge

Public Fury as Zimbabwe Spends R1.2 Million on Single Footbridge

A government announcement of a new footbridge costing US$70,000 (approx. R1.2 million) has ignited a firestorm of public criticism and debate across Zimbabwe. The footbridge, named the Premier South Footbridge, was commissioned in Mutasa by the Minister of State for Manicaland Province, Misheck Mugadza.

Officials stated the structure addresses critical safety and connectivity needs for a community near an active mining site. However, the revealed price tag has led to widespread disbelief and anger online, with many citizens and a local chief questioning the project’s value and the government’s development priorities.

“70K Here Mkoma”: Social Media Erupts In Disbelief

The controversy began when Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Nick Mangwana, shared the news on X. The post was swiftly met with a barrage of sceptical and outraged replies. Many users questioned the cost, suggesting a typographical error, while others expressed sheer embarrassment.

One user, Earnest_Adonai, replied directly,

“Did you mean 7000USD perhaps?”.

This sentiment was echoed by numerous others. User Liam Piti stated bluntly,

“R1.2 million for this shit??”

Another, Collen Rodwin Zinaka, wrote,

“Ndirikunyara iiiiii 70k” (“I am so ashamed”).

In response to accusations that his post was “rage bait, Nick Mangwana defended the sharing of the information, stating,

“My posts are supposed to be informative and also promote public accountability. We are a transparent Government.”

Chief And Residents Question Development Priorities

Beyond the online fury, substantive concerns about the type of infrastructure being delivered were raised at the commissioning event itself. Senator Chief James Mutasa, a prominent local leader, voiced serious reservations about the project’s scope.

He argued that the community needed more substantial vehicle bridges to support economic activity and transport heavy loads, not just footbridges.

Chief Mutasa warned that elected officials must deliver more significant development, directly linking it to public support.

His concerns found resonance online. User Dzingaldo noted,

“Chiefs concerns resonates with the general population”.

This highlights a tangible divide between official pronouncements and grassroots expectations for development. During the event, Minister Mugadza outlined future projects, stating:

“The next infrastructure projects in the constituency will be footbridges at Tsvingwe and Nyakukwarara, the latter being a known challenge during the rainy season.”

He further emphasised his vision that Manicaland is “on a good development trajectory” with multiple projects aimed at improving service delivery.

A Nation Asks: What Does US$70,000 Buy?

The core of the public outcry hinges on the perceived disparity between the cost and the product. Images of the bridge circulated online, leading to repeated questions about its construction and procurement. User Tawanda asked,

“Whats a premier footbridge? Does it have a conveyor system or something”. To which Mangwana clarified, “That’s its name. It’s called PREMIER SOUTH BRIDGE”.

Others made more pointed comments about the cost. User Retired Instructor asked,

“70 grand for that junk?”. Simba questioned, “70k …haaa zvakaoma. Sei muchichipisa mari kudai vakuru” (“70k… it’s shocking. Why are you burning money like this elders?”).

The sheer volume of reactions questioning the expenditure shows a deep-seated public demand for clarity and value in government spending.

As user Ashwin Blessed pointedly noted,