Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
MOTORISTS and travellers woke up to flooded conditions at the Mtshabezi River on Wednesday morning, leaving many stranded after heavy overnight rains caused the river to overflow.
The flooding rendered the Mtshabezi bridge impassable, disrupting movement for motorists and pedestrians travelling between Gwanda and key destinations such as Blanket Mine, Maphisa District and surrounding business centres.
With more rains expected in the coming days, the district Civil Protection Committee has issued a warning to both motorists and pedestrians to avoid taking unnecessary risks.
Gwanda District Disaster Risk Reduction focal person, Awakhiwe Moyo, said a team had been deployed to assess the situation while authorities remained on the ground to ensure the safety of the public.
“Mtshabezi bridge is currently impassable due to the bridge overflowing. Motorists and pedestrians traveling from or to Blanket Mine direction are advised to exercise extreme caution. Please be patient as the water is flowing powerfully. Authorities are assessing other areas in Gwanda for potential impact. A routine check update will follow once the assessment is complete,” he said.
The low-lying bridge has repeatedly become a major inconvenience to motorists and pedestrians during the rainy season, with travellers often forced to wait for hours for water levels to subside.
The bridge was recently repaired after it sustained damage from floods caused by a breached dam in the area, but the latest flooding has once again exposed the vulnerability of the crossing.
The bridge is a critical transport link, connecting Gwanda town with Blanket Mine, Maphisa District and several surrounding business centres, making the disruption significant for both commuters and commercial activity.
A makeshift footbridge that pedestrians often rely on when the main bridge is flooded was also damaged, leaving travellers with limited options to cross safely.
Bongani Ndlovu