Chronicle Editor
Mthabisi Tshuma in Bulilima District
THE incessant rains that have been experienced in parts of Bulilima District, Matabeleland South Province, since last Friday until Tuesday have left some roads impassable.
The heavy rains sweeping across the country have exacerbated the state of the roads, including the Plumtree-Dombodema-Maitengwe Road, Plumtree-Thekwane-Ndolwane Road, and Plumtree-Bhagani-Tsholotsho Road, among others.
* Cross-border transporters take three days to reach destination
* Transporters suspend services, some increase fees
* Commuters left stranded
Over the past three days, this news crew observed motorists, mainly cross-border operators who ply their route via the Maitengwe Border Post, raising concerns over road safety.
One of the motorists, Mr Joseph Ndlovu from Tsholotsho District, said he took three full days to reach his destination.
“From South Africa via Botswana and Bulilima District, I took three days, and this was because of the rains that we experienced over the weekend. The roads are now impassable, as gorges, and not just potholes, have been opened. We hope the responsible authorities will address the issue, as we contribute immensely to the economy at both district and national levels,” said Mr Ndlovu.
A villager in Bulilima District, Ms Thandekile Moyo, said on Sunday she failed to get transport from Plumtree town to her rural home in Muke, as public transporters had downed tools.
“On Saturday, I travelled to Plumtree town intending to return on Sunday morning, but I failed as there were no public transporters heading to our village. Most of them cited that the road was too dangerous to travel on, especially with the rains pounding in Masendu Ward, where I stay,” said Ms Moyo.
Bulilima District Development Coordinator, Mr Onesimo Zogara, acknowledged that the roads are in a bad state and said the Government will soon be attending to them after the rains.
“It is true the roads are in a deplorable state, and they really need urgent attention, as they are a key economic enabler. The fares charged by both public and private transporters have gone up owing to the high maintenance costs incurred by these transporters. Hence, communities are on the receiving end and made to suffer the most.
“The road authorities are waiting for the rains to subside so that they can start working on them,” said Mr Zogara.
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