Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
PANIC has gripped Masvingo Province after raging floodwaters burst through two dam walls and swept away key village bridges, leaving communities stranded.
On 12 January, Riverton Farm Dam walls collapsed in Zaka, triggering destruction in Chipinda and Mutakaya areas.
The Chipinda and Mutakaya bridges, which connect local villagers across Chiredzi, were completely destroyed, turning daily travel into a dangerous gamble.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi has warned the public to stay away from the danger zones.
“The ZRP advises the public, especially the community in Masvingo Province and surrounding areas, to proceed to Chipinda and Mutakaya areas in Zaka with caution as two Riverton Farm Dam walls burst on 12/01/26,” he said in a statement.
Comm Nyathi said the situation on the ground is dire.
“The two bridges, Chipinda and Mutakaya, which cross Chiredzi and connect local villagers, were destroyed. The bridges are not passable either by vehicles or people on foot.”
Villagers have been left stranded on either side of the raging waters, with some forced to make long detours while others have completely failed to reach work, school and markets.
Comm Nyathi urged residents not to attempt crossing the damaged areas.
“The ZRP appeals to the public to be alert and use alternative access routes until the situation normalises,” he said.
The Civil Protection Unit has been called in as authorities scramble to assess the full scale of the damage.
More developments are expected as emergency teams move into the affected areas.
“More details will be available in due course as the Police has engaged the department of Civil Protection Unit,” said Comm Nyathi.
