A newly commissioned US$70,000 (N54m) footbridge in Mutasa district has sparked widespread criticism and debate in Zimbabwe, after photos and cost details shared by government officials drew disbelief from residents and social media users questioning the value and scale of the project.
The Premier South Footbridge was commissioned by the Minister of State for Manicaland Province, Misheck Mugadza, who said the structure was intended to address safety and connectivity needs for a community situated near an active mining site. Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana shared images and details of the project on X, stating that the bridge cost US$70,000 and formed part of ongoing development plans for Manicaland.
The disclosure prompted an immediate backlash online, with many users disputing the price tag and expressing frustration over infrastructure priorities. One user responded: “Did you mean 7000USD perhaps?” while another wrote: “R1.2 million for this shit??” A third user commented: “Ndirikunyara iiiiii 70k,” expressing embarrassment at the cost. Mangwana defended his post amid accusations of provocation, saying: “My posts are supposed to be informative and also promote public accountability. We are a transparent Government.”
During the commissioning event, the announcement also drew criticism from local leaders. Senator Chief James Mutasa questioned the scale of development being delivered, arguing that footbridges alone were insufficient for the community’s needs. He said standard vehicle bridges were necessary to support movement of goods, economic activity and heavy loads. He warned that elected officials must deliver more substantial infrastructure, linking such outcomes to public support.
Despite public scepticism, Minister Mugadza announced that additional footbridge projects are planned for Tsvingwe and Nyakukwarara, saying this aligned with his vision that Manicaland is “on a good development trajectory” with multiple projects aimed at improving service delivery.
Critics continued to question what US$70,000 could reasonably buy, with images of the bridge prompting renewed scrutiny over procurement, priorities and value for money in public projects.
