Residents of six villages in Neno District are holding a peaceful demonstration today to demand the rehabilitation of a bridge that connects their communities to Matope Health Centre.
The bridge was damaged over a year ago during flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Ana, and authorities from the public works office in the district have said they are unable to repair it.
The concerned citizens say the absence of the bridge is causing major problems for their communities, including limited access to education and healthcare services.
Pregnant women are particularly affected, as they are often unable to reach the hospital in time to give birth safely. Some people have even lost their lives trying to cross the river without the bridge.
The chairperson for the grouping, Mussa Madziatayika, explained that the residents will be walking 54 kilometres from Matope to Neno Boma, where they will present a petition to the District Commissioner’s office.
They are hopeful that their peaceful demonstration will convince the authorities to take action and repair the bridge, restoring access to essential services for their communities.
