Londile Moyo
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]
NOW dubbed a “mini border”, Mtshabezi River Bridge has become a hive of activity as communities devise alternative ways to travel while the bridge remains closed to vehicles pending maintenance works.
Public service vehicles are dropping passengers on either side of the bridge, forcing travellers to cross on foot before boarding connecting transport waiting across.
A Zimpapers news crew in Sunday observed travellers from areas such as Maphisa, Makwe, Maqethukana, Mvana and Blanket Mine disembarking near the bridge as they made their way into Gwanda.
Those without luggage opted to walk the remaining distance, avoiding additional transport costs, while others paid to have their belongings ferried across. Transport operators using Scania trucks were charging about R100 to move goods from town to the bridge.
Travellers heading out of Gwanda walked to the crossing point before boarding vehicles on the other side to their destinations. Workers commuting to mines and institutions beyond the bridge were forced to leave their vehicles behind and cross on foot, where company transport would collect them.
Transporters operating across the bridge are also facing logistical challenges, resorting to carrying fuel supplies from town in containers.
The disruption follows flood damage to the bridge after a nearby dam breached, affecting critical infrastructure and cutting off a key transport link. The bridge connects Gwanda to surrounding areas including Blanket Mine, Maphisa District and several business centres.
Meanwhile, repair works are underway to restore normal traffic flow.
Online Reporter