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Walter Nyamukondiwa–Kariba Bureau
The District Development Fund (DDF) has completed the removal of rocks that had covered the Matusadonha Escarpment along the Charara-Makande Road following heavy rains recently.
Several fishermen had suffered losses as they could not send their catch to all parts of the country by road without first connecting to Kariba by boat.
This brought extra costs.
Going to Kariba by road also had challenges as Nyaodza River was flooded.
The blockage had cut off Gache Gache fishing camps, communal areas and markets throughout the country.
It had also closed the shortest route linking Kariba urban and Nyaminyami rural by road.
DDF provincial coordinator Mr Erikano Chikande said they had mobilised equipment to clear the rubble.
“Soon after getting the report that the road had been closed, we moved in to restore connectivity,” said Mr Chikande.
“We had to use a grader and dozer to clear the debris that had covered the road after a rockfall caused by heavy rains. The rocks have since been cleared and access restored.”
Gache Gache Ward 2 Councillor Kudzanayi Makanyaire confirmed the development, saying it had brought relief to fishermen and the rest of the community.
Meanwhile, the Government has completed the rehabilitation of shoulders on the Sanyati River Bridge along the Karoi-Binga Road, which was threatened by erosion.
A gully had formed on the shoulders of the bridge threatening to undercut the main structure.
Engineers from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development started working on the bridge in the last quarter of 2021.
Works included covering the gully and constructing a drainage channel that allows water to flow away from the road.
An official from the Kariba district office said the gully was threatening to affect travel to Nyaminyami rural by road.
The Karoi-Binga, which is being upgraded, is used to transport medical supplies and patients to Kariba District Hospital.
The road is the gateway to tourism facilities in Bumi Hills and Matusadonha National Park and once tarred, would be the shortest route to Victoria Falls.
There had been fears that the gullies were a result of activities of artisanal miners.
“The extent of damage by miners is very minimal. The gully was the threat to the bridge, but it was rehabilitated,” said the official.
Online Reporter