The commissioning of a seemingly modest footbridge in Zimbabwe, with a price tag of US$70,000 (approximately N54 million), has triggered a storm of criticism and debate across the nation and on social media. The project, intended to improve safety and connectivity, has instead raised serious questions about value for money and the government's development priorities.
Official Unveiling Meets Public Disbelief
The Premier South Footbridge in Mutasa district, Manicaland Province, was officially commissioned by the Minister of State for the province, Misheck Mugadza. He stated the structure was crucial for a community located near an active mining site, addressing safety and connectivity needs. Following the event, government spokesperson Nick Mangwana shared images and details of the project on X (formerly Twitter) on or around January 10, 2026, confirming the US$70,000 cost and framing it as part of ongoing development plans for Manicaland.
The online reaction was swift and overwhelmingly negative. Many social media users expressed shock and disbelief at the quoted cost. One user questioned, “Did you mean 7000USD perhaps?” while another bluntly stated, “R1.2 million for this shit??” A third comment, “Ndirikunyara iiiiii 70k,” captured a sense of national embarrassment over the perceived extravagance. In response to accusations that his post was provocative, Mangwana defended his actions, asserting, “My posts are supposed to be informative and also promote public accountability. We are a transparent Government.”
Local Leaders and Critics Voice Deeper Concerns
The criticism was not limited to online commentators. During the commissioning event itself, local leaders voiced their dissatisfaction. Senator Chief James Mutasa challenged the scale of the development, arguing that footbridges were insufficient for the community's actual needs. He emphasized that standard vehicle bridges were necessary to facilitate the movement of goods, boost economic activity, and support heavy loads. Chief Mutasa directly linked the delivery of more substantial infrastructure to continued public support for elected officials, issuing a clear warning about voter expectations.
Despite the public scepticism, Minister Mugadza remained optimistic about the province's development path. He announced plans for additional footbridge projects in Tsvingwe and Nyakukwarara, aligning with his vision that Manicaland is “on a good development trajectory” with multiple projects aimed at improving service delivery.
A Symbol of Broader Procurement and Priority Questions
However, for many citizens and observers, the footbridge has become a symbol of deeper issues. Critics continue to scrutinize what a sum of US$70,000 should reasonably procure in public infrastructure. The images of the completed bridge have fueled renewed scrutiny over government procurement processes, the setting of infrastructure priorities, and the fundamental principle of achieving value for taxpayers' money in public projects. The debate extends beyond a single bridge, touching on national concerns about transparency, accountability, and the tangible outcomes of government expenditure in Zimbabwe.
