adminMidlands Correspondent
HEAVY rains that pounded Gokwe North recently destroyed Kaongo Bridge that spans Ume River along the gravel road that links Gokwe North and Gokwe South.
Chireya Ward 9 Councillor Faith Marongwe told The Herald on Tuesday that Gokwe North had been cut off from Gokwe South.
“Kaongo Bridge was swept away following heavy rains which pounded the district in the past week, a situation that has isolated people in Gokwe North and South,” she said.
“That means Nembudziya and Gokwe Centre are now cut off from each other. The inaccessibility of the area will isolate many people from essential services at Gokwe Centre.”
Clr Marongwe said as a result, vehicles were no longer able to pass from either side of Gokwe North and Gokwe South, forcing drivers to go via Kadoma to Kwekwe and finally Gokwe North or South.
She said they had been receiving hailstorms that left a trail of destruction.
“It is unfortunate because the road is the main link between communities in the two districts,” said Clr Marongwe.
“People are now at risk of drowning as villagers may opt to cross Ume River, instead of using the longer route via Kadoma.
“We normally access essential services such as hospital referrals at Gokwe Centre, because the bridge is no longer there, Gokwe North community is now isolated.”
Clr Marongwe said six families were also left homeless when their huts were swept away by floods.
She said there were fears of potential danger to more people in low lying areas, as agricultural fields were submerged in water.
Midlands Provincial Administrator Mr Abiot Maronge on Monday said Government was still assessing the extent of the damage to infrastructure, while compiling the number of villagers in need of assistance.
Gokwe is prone to flooding.
Online Reporter