Moffat Mungazi
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
MOST areas in Manicaland were battered by torrential rains from last Friday night to Tuesday night, leaving a trail of destruction that left infrastructure, roads and drainage systems overwhelmed.
The heavy rains’ fury has transformed the once-smooth roads into obstacle courses of potholes and gullies.
The local authorities are facing a daunting task of assessing the huge losses, and repairing the damage, while residents are counting the cost of illegal agricultural activities on waterways, which have exacerbated storm drainage flooding that has turned their neighborhoods into virtual lakes.
The relentless rains also took a toll on Hobhouse’s footbridge, severing a vital link between the suburb and Dangamvura, with pedestrians now being forced to embark on lengthy detours to access the two locations.
The damaged footbridge is particularly concerning, as it was a crucial access way for schoolchildren.
The community is urging authorities to expedite reconstruction efforts and ensure that learners can safely resume their daily commute to school.
Furthermore, the torrential rains washed away Jecheche Bridge in Burma Valley, causing additional disruptions.
The bridge’s destruction has severed a critical transportation link for farmers, hindering their ability to transport produce to markets, leading to potential losses and reduced incomes.
The rains also wreaked havoc on the entirety of Rusape’s earth roads, with significant damage reported in several areas, including Vengere, Magamba, and Mabvazuva, rendering them impassable and causing disruptions to local transportation.
Though the Department of Civil Protection provincial chairman, Mr John Misi was unreachable and not in his office when contacted for comment, District Development Coordinators in Makoni, Chipinge, Mutasa and Buhera told The Manica Post that they are still assessing the situation in their respective districts.
Attempts to gather facts from the District Development Coordinators in Chimanimani, Nyanga, and Mutare were unsuccessful.
Mutare Town Clerk, Mr Blessing Chafesuka, has sounded alarm on the devastating impact of this year’s rains on the city’s infrastructure and environment.
In a stark warning to residents, he said the torrential rains destroyed a critical footbridge over Sakubva River, which has been a lifeline for residents for over seven years.
“The situation is dire. We urge residents to avoid the damaged footbridge, as it poses a significant risk of collapsing. Instead, please, use alternative routes until we mobilise resources to repair the damaged bridge. We do not want to lose lives,” he said, adding that the local authority was racing against time to engage stakeholders and find urgent solutions to the crisis.
But the footbridge is just the tip of the iceberg as the rains also wreaked havoc on the city’s roads, with a 250-metre stretch in Fairbridge Park along Barns Avenue destroyed.
“We are facing significant funding challenges to attend to these issues promptly. The reality is that road maintenance requires substantial investment. The damage we have faced this year due to hailstorms is huge, with huge billboards and trees being damaged,” he admitted.
Mr Chafesuka added that the city’s roads are now in a very poor state due to the rains, and revealed that they are facing funding challenges to attend to them promptly.
“In Fairbridge Park, along Barns Avenue, a 250m stretch was destroyed. We are applying gravel to enable motorists to pass through.
‘‘However, if it continues raining, the gravel will be washed away, causing blockages downstream. We have a serious problem that everyone should understand, and we need to share ideas and suggest solutions together. This challenge is not only a City of Mutare problem, but affects everyone.
‘‘Residents must appreciate that road maintenance requires a significant amount of money — a mere 250m stretch costs approximately US$120 000 to US$130 000. We have a serious road funding gap, which is why we recommended increasing tariffs.
‘‘Annually, an average of 25km is destroyed, and we only recover 1km. With the new tariffs, we will be able to recover 7km. Our roads are in a very poor state and continue to deteriorate every year,” said Mr Chafesuka.
Rusape Town Council public relations officer, Mr Lloyd Makumana admitted that the ongoing rains have severely damaged the town’s road network, prompting a suburb-by-suburb repair effort.
“The rains have caused extensive damage to our road infrastructure, particularly gravel and earth roads. We are on the ground carrying out rehabilitation works,” he said, adding that repairs have been completed in Tsanzaguru, parts of Vengere, and Mabvazuwa.
Mr Makumana said the teams are expected to attend to roads in Magamba, Silverbow, and Crocodile suburbs soon.
“We urge residents to be patient with us, as this is the peak period when roads are typically in a bad state due to the rains. We will eventually cover the entire town,” he assured.
Hobhouse residents are urging authorities to expedite the reconstruction of the damaged footbridge, citing safety concerns for their children.
“The destruction of the footbridge has a huge impact on us. We are now stranded, and worried about our children’s safety when going to school,” said Mr George Mawere, a resident of Hobhouse.
The community is also calling on the council to address pressing drainage issues. The recent rains created massive gullies at Chikanga shops and other locations, with a house in Chikanga being flooded.
Chikanga Vendors chairman, Mr Robert Abuja warned that the clogged drain in the area poses a significant risk to the market.
“The drain has metal screens that collect debris, blocking the flow of water. These screens are located near the bar and supermarket areas. We need an urgent response to prevent disaster,” he warned.
Another resident, Mr Terrence Cheromwaamba, echoed Mr Abuja’s concerns, highlighting the inadequacies of the drainage system.
“Floodwater damaged my cottage and fowl run. All my property and goods were soaked. This has been going on for too long. Although the council attempted to redirect the water course last year, it is clear that more needs to be done,” he said, as he worked to clear the drainage.
Online Reporter