Online Reporter
Online Reporter
Heavy rains witnessed in Mbire District have severely damaged large sections of the road network, leaving communities such as Kanyemba struggling to access health facilities, markets and other basic services.
As communities in Mbire grapple with the effects of rain-induced damage, hopes remain high that long-term infrastructure projects like the Kanyemba Road will bring lasting relief and development to the district.
Mbire District Development Cordinator, Mr Richard Maruta, said while the district has not recorded any flooding or marooning incidents despite persistent downpours, the impact on infrastructure, particularly gravel roads, has been significant due to loose soils common in the area.
“About two-thirds of our road network has been damaged, causing serious inaccessibility to basic services,” said Mr Maruta.
Mr Maruta said some areas have become impassable to public transport.
The Kanyemba and Chitsungo areas were among the hardest hit, with extensive damage reported along the Mahuwe-Chitsungo Road.
As a result, buses have stopped accessing Chitsungo Hospital, forcing communities to rely on motorbikes to reach health facilities.
In response, communities have been mobilised to carry out temporary repairs to keep roads passable as authorities await for intervention from central Government.
Mr Maruta said reports have already been submitted to the provincial roads engineer, as required.
He raised concern over the Angwa River, where a gully has encroached to within 15 metres of the Angwa Bridge, posing a serious threat to the structure.
The situation has been escalated to the responsible roads authorities for urgent attention.
Despite the infrastructure damage, Mr Maruta said Mbire remains on high alert with no recorded flooding so far.
“Flooding along the Zambezi floodplains is natural and something we have lived with for generations. Communities have already moved to higher ground in line with our traditions,” he said.
The Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has been activated and is on 24-hour standby, with continuous awareness campaigns being shared through community WhatsApp platforms.
Schools and churches across the district have been identified as evacuation centres.
Looking ahead, Mr Maruta said the completion of the long-awaited Kanyemba Road could be a game changer for Mbire’s road network and economic prospects.
“The Kanyemba Road will unlock Mbire’s full potential,” he said. “It will give us better access to markets, promote tourism and improve trade with neighbouring countries such as Zambia and Tanzania.”
Mbire, a wildlife-rich district, is expected to benefit significantly from improved road connectivity, which will enhance tourism activities and ease the movement of goods and people.
