Chronicle Editor
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief
DEVASTATING floods swept away the Sesame Bridge and a borehole drilling rig in Gokwe South District on Thursday leaving many travellers stranded and they have also disrupted socio-economic activities.
The bridge, which links Gokwe North and South in the Midlands province, was swept away around 4pm following heavy rains that have been pounding the district and the rest of the country for the past week. The borehole rig, which had broken down at Mtange Bridge, was also swept away by the raging waters. No casualties were reported.
The Meteorological Service Department (MSD) has warned that the heavy rains and violent storms are likely to continue today.
Ms Netsai Mushauri, the chairperson of the civil protection committee for Gokwe South confirmed that Sesame bridge was swept away and issued a statement to caution travellers.
“Please be advised that Sesame Bridge (after CMB, on way to Nembudziya) has been swept away cutting passage of vehicles and pedestrians. Please do not attempt to cross the flooded river by any other means as it is very dangerous. You are therefore advised to use the Kadoma Sanyati Road to access Nembudziya,” she said.
Ms Mushauri added that the bridge was vital for the development of Gokwe North and South districts and that its loss would affect the livelihoods of many communities.
“This is an important bridge on Goredema road which links Nembudziya and Gokwe South and this negative development impacts on the livelihoods of villagers. Right now travellers can only connect Nembudziya and Gokwe South using Sanyati Road because the other alternative which is via Jahana is very muddy,” she said.
Ms Mushauri also said that they were monitoring the situation for possible flooding of homes and urged villagers and travellers to exercise extreme caution this rainy season.
“We are still on the lookout for possible flooding of homes if the rains persist. We urge villagers and travellers to exercise extreme caution this rainy season,” she said.
Some of the villagers who witnessed the flooding expressed their shock and dismay at the destruction.
“We experienced heavy rains from around 2pm on Thursday and around 4pm, heavy floods swept away Sesame Bridge. I wanted to travel to Gokwe Centre from Nembudziya but I could not,” said Maxman Malinga from Nembudziya.
Victoria Ncube, who was coming from CMB going to Nembudziya, said she was one of the many villagers who were stranded following the collapse of the bridge.
“Sesame River is still flooded and we can’t risk crossing the river on foot. The other alternative is going to Gokwe Centre then to Kadoma to access Nembudziya but it’s costly for me,” she said.
Madron Matiza, the Member of Parliament for Gokwe-Sesame Constituency, said it was unfortunate that the bridge had been neglected by the relevant authorities despite the warnings from the villagers.
“What pains me is the fact that we knew that if we experience floods, the bridge will be swept away. Signs were there for everyone to see. I reported this to the responsibility authorities but they didn’t act,” he said.
In an interview at the bridge, Cde Matiza said there was a need for the community and Government officials to work hand in glove to avert such disasters in future.
“All what was needed was reinforcement of the bridge and it was going to cost less that the expenses that will be incurred to rebuild the bridge,” he said.
The MSD has said there are risks of flooding in low-lying areas.
“Thunder and lightning accompanied by hailstones and strong damaging winds are expected across the country,” MSD said.
Online Reporter