By Fanuel Chinowaita
Mutasa, 2 August 2025 – Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Misheck Mugadza, has mobilized a multi-sector response to restore key infrastructure in Penhalonga, following extensive damage caused by years of unregulated and illegal mining activities.
Moved by the long-neglected state of roads and bridges in the area, Hon. Mugadza convened a stakeholder committee made up of government departments, local authorities, mining companies, and civil society representatives to coordinate an emergency rehabilitation effort. Among the key partners is Kodon Mining Company, represented by Tendai Mandonga, and JTL Construction, the main contractor.
“I saw that the road had collapsed for too long. It was affecting people’s movement, trade, and access to services,” said Mugadza. “I took it upon myself to bring together all responsible stakeholders, including the private sector like Kodon Mining, and form a committee to respond collectively.”
The St. Augustine Turn-off Bridge, a vital transport link into Penhalonga, had been reduced to rubble by overloaded mining trucks. Motorists were forced to endure 20-kilometre diversions for months. Despite limited resources, the stakeholder coalition restored the bridge in record time. Though currently a makeshift structure, plans are in place to upgrade and widen it to allow two-way traffic.
“We stayed united despite limited resources,” Mugadza added. “This is what the President meant when he called for a whole-of-government and whole-of-community approach. We are now seeing the results.”
The Minister also confirmed ongoing works on the Penhalonga township road, which had sunk due to abandoned tunnels from historic German mining operations and further deterioration by artisanal miners. Rehabilitation is expected to be completed soon.
Tendai Mandonga of Kodon Mining said his company responded under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.
“This is more than CSR — it’s about being responsible neighbors,” said Mandonga. “We helped transport heavy equipment, repaired the road to Elim School and the surrounding mining areas, and gravelling was done at Penhalonga Police Camp after the Officer-in-Charge made a request. We are part of this community and it’s our duty to give back.”
The initiative has sparked renewed hope among residents and community leaders.
Clinton T. Masanga, of the Penhalonga Development Trust, commended the efforts:
“The ongoing roadworks along the Penhalonga route, coupled with the successful completion of the St. Augustine Turn-off Bridge, mark a significant milestone for our community.
As Penhalonga residents, we are encouraged by these tangible developments which are improving accessibility and safety. The completion of the bridge has brought relief to many who were previously affected by its collapse.”
He praised Hon. Mugadza’s proactive involvement:
“Hon. Mugadza is proving that leadership is not about promises, but delivering solutions where they matter most. His hands-on approach is exactly what we need to drive Mutasa South towards achieving Vision 2030, as championed by His Excellency President E.D. Mnangagwa.
If we continue to embrace this results-driven leadership style, the transformation of our constituency is not a distant dream — it is within reach.”
Despite the commendation, some residents have raised concerns about the scale and execution of the developments.
Farai Sazuka, a Penhalonga resident, said, “Our expectation was to have a better bridge than the one that was there before, but not all expectations are met. In the end, a small makeshift bridge was constructed — perhaps due to the limited resources available. We are just grateful for what has been done and the efforts made, because the situation had become very bad.”
Regarding the Penhalonga road project, he remarked, “This project was long overdue.Responsible stakeholders should take initiative in their duties consistently, not only act when pushed. The way this project is being presented makes it seem like a major achievement, yet it’s something that could have been done with ease a long time ago.”
Two other residents, who requested anonymity, expressed appreciation for the developments:
“We sincerely thank the stakeholders and Hon. Mugadza for this work. It might not be perfect, but it’s a big step forward compared to the suffering we endured.”
“We had lost hope, but this shows us that when government, miners, and the community work together, real change can happen.”
As efforts continue in Penhalonga, Hon. Mugadza confirmed that similar public-private cooperation models will be rolled out across other parts of Manicaland facing infrastructural challenges due to mining activities.