Roads in Salisbury cut by rains

The Rhodesia Herald, 

December 30, 1969 

AT least four major roads on the outskirts of Salisbury were cut by flooding late last night, according to the police, as rain continued to fall steadily. 

The police spokesman said the Beatrice Road was cut five miles out of town by the Makabusi River, while Marimba River cut both the old Gatooma road and Quendon road – the main road from Avondale to Mabelreign. 

Rhodesville Avenue, immediately north of the Rhodesville Avenue – Jameson Avenue intersection, was completely cut by a six-foot gulley running the full width of the road. The gulley was carved out by storm water. 

Emergency repairs were carried out to the road and a detour was made. But motorists were warned to drive carefully. 

At 9.30pm, a report was received that rain in Mabelreign had reached 2.77in since 5pm. 

No figures could be obtained for the centre of Salisbury, but they were described as being about 3in. 

The airport meteorological office said most of the rain had fallen in the north of the country. Figures quoted for the period 8 am to 5 pm were: Kariba 1.54 inches; Mount Darwin .55 inches; Mtoko .68 inches. 

With 48 hours still left of December 1969, Salisbury’s rainfall total is creeping close to the record for the month which was set in 1964. Early yesterday the figure was 3.5in off the official record of 17.18in. 

A spokesman for the Meteorological Office said yesterday afternoon that in the north-east of Rhodesia, scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms could be expected, although conditions in the south-west of the country showed signs of improvement. 

So far, 13.69in have been recorded at the Meteorological Office in Belvedere in December. 

In the Salisbury suburb of Chisipite, one house holder recorded just under 6in from 10pm on Christmas Eve to 10pm on Sunday. 

LESSONS FOR TODAY 

Climate activities could affect the soil and drainage condition of roads.  

The intensity of rainfall affects the amount of surface and sub-surface structure and water present in the soil. 

It is important to always assess road conditions before every rainfall season so as to do road repairs which might help against total destruction. 

Road users should also refer to weather forecast reports during rainy seasons so as to maintain road-use safety. 

Drainage is one of the most important aspects for the design of highway, and they must be continually cleaned. 

In situations where there is no drainage, the different forms of precipitation especially rainfall enters into the road pavement and destroys it.