Rains damage & cripple transport system in Nkayi

SEVERAL roads and bridges have been damaged by incessant rains in Nkayi District, Matabeleland North, thereby crippling the efficient movement of people and goods for businesses.

Similar impact is being felt in other parts of the country, with the national rain-induced death toll rising to 132, according to the Civil Protection Department.

Nkayi District Development Co-ordinator, Mr Thulani Moyo, said the area has received an annual average of 654mm of rain so far this year.

“We have received incessant rains in the district, the rains have caused a lot of damage to our roads and dams. The most affected roads include Bubi-Nkayi Road via Bona.

“The stretch from Cross-Matapa to Bubi Mine turn-off is badly affected and the gravel stones are causing havoc to car tyres,” he said.

“We also have Bubi-Nkayi Road via Kenilworth, which is too muddy and further compounded by low-lying bridges, which have affected the movement of traffic due to flooding.

“Fighting Road, which links us to Lupane, has a collapsed Tohwe Bridge limiting traffic movement, while Tshakalisa Road is also affected by low-lying bridges.”

Mr Moyo said Manomano and Skopo Bridges have been affected by high siltation, with no more space for water to pass through.

He said the Nkayi-Gwelutshena Road via Mdengelele is also problematic after some bridges were washed away, with the Mdengelele Bridge almost collapsing.

“We also have Nkayi-Gwelutshena Road via Kana with bridges along, such as Gwamayaya, almost collapsing, but the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development has moved in to try and save it,” said Mr Moyo.

“On the dams, our main worry is Matshuzula Dam under Chief Nkalakatha, which has a dam wall with trees that have grown on the dam wall, thereby weakening it. The dam is full to capacity and it may burst, which will be a big problem for communities.”

He said on some days, villagers travelling by buses have been forced to spend the night on the roads due to overflowing rivers and streams.

The rains have also affected learning at some schools as learners are forced to stay at home for fear of drowning. However, there has not been any loss of life, said Mr Moyo. — @themkhust.