I found something interesting in IVerify - Images of damaged bridge and cost of k5 million misleading

Images of damaged bridge and cost of k5 million misleading

Misleading

iVerify Zambia fact-checked the claims. A Google reverse image search of the first image revealed it was linked to a street rehabilitation project in South Africa, not Zambia. A verification of the second and third image depicted the Ngolongozya Bridge in Mafumba Ward, Zimba District, Southern Province, Zambia. This was confirmed by Zimba Town Council. The council also clarified that the bridge was constructed at a cost of K2.7 million under the 2022 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation, refuting social media claims that it cost K5 million.

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Verified Dec, 20 2024

Claim

On December 19, 2024, the Patriotic Front Facebook page posted images of bridges, allegedly in Zambia, with the caption: “CDF, built at the cost of K5 million and washed away at the slightest of showers.” The first image showed a man standing near a wheelbarrow at a bridge under construction, while the second and third depicted a bridge with eroded sides and water flowing beneath it. Most commenters doubted the claim’s validity, pointing out inconsistencies between the images. One user also commented: “It’s commendable when citizens raise issues to foster accountability, but certain claims should be substantiated.”

Are the images from Zambia and is the amount accurate?

Rating Justification

iVerify Zambia has determined the Patriotic Front’s claim to be misleading. A Google reverse image search revealed that the one image—depicting a bridge under construction with a man beside a wheelbarrow, was first posted on social media in connection with a street rehabilitation project in South Africa, not Zambia. The image is unrelated to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).The photo was initially posted by the Greater Giyani Municipality Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14dp8JWCs2/ ) on December 7, 2024 , with the caption: “F section road reconstruction work in progress.”

Further checks confirmed that Limpopo News 24/7, a South African media outlet, reported the Greater Giyani Municipality’s announcement about constructing culvert bridges in Homu village, which were nearing completion.

To verify the second and third images and their reported location, iVerify Zambia contacted the Assistant Public Relations Officer, Zimba Town Council for a confirmation. The images were identified as the Ngolongozya Bridge in Mafumba Ward, Zimba District, Southern Province, Zambia. The council also confirmed that the bridge experienced erosion on its sides due to heavy rains on December 18, 2024, which put the structure at risk. However, Mastone clarified that the bridge itself remained intact. The Zambia National Service (ZNS), the contractor responsible, repaired the damaged sections with reinforced concrete within two days, according to Mastone. The council clarified that the Ngolongozya Bridge was constructed at a cost of K2.7 million under the 2022 Constituency Development Fund allocation, not K5 million as claimed on social media.

Evidence and References

1. Zimba Town Council visit on the rehabilitation works of the bridge by Zambia National Service:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14hnpNrCEC/
2. Diamond TV report on the nature of the bridge and construction, 18th December 18th, 2024


3. Greater Giyani Municipality Facebook page ,Section F streets rehabilitation project underway, South Africa
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14dp8JWCs2/
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0H6F79od3hAbuQAiGF3F7wrSoLFDjtNM5VQNcqubMYMMCWRFVpsUBwmiVdfZgGjszl&id=100064541658512
4. Limpopo News 24/7, report when construction work was going on for Section F street rehabilitation project https://www.facebook.com/groups/450863121605870/posts/greater-giyani-municipality-announced-that-the-construction-of-culvert-bridge-in/26151670407765122/

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