Torrential Rains Damage Hwange Roads


Hwange Bureau
A heavy downpour in parts of Hwange district in the last 48 hours has left a trail of destruction, particularly on roads, leaving both transporters and commuters in a desperate situation.

Two weeks ago, heavy rains also left Hwange families homeless when a storm destroyed buildings in Ingumija residential area. The Meteorological Services Department recently issued a warning of heavy rains and urged people to be cautious as there would be flash floods, damaging winds and lightning in some parts of the country.

The rains in the mining town have destroyed the Hwange- Victoria Falls Highway, making it difficult for transporters to navigate the busy road – with potholes so enlarged they look like craters.

In an interview, Norbet Moyo a truck driver who frequently uses the Hwange-Victoria Falls route, said the bridge just before Cinderella township has been flooded after the heavy rains making it difficult for motorists to cross.

“The bridge is flooded. We had to wait for several hours before crossing as the bridge was no longer visible. When the water level on the bridge lowered, we noticed that the potholes on the bridge had been dangerously enlarged by the rains,” said Moyo.

Greater Whange Residents Trust Coordinator Fidelis Chima has appealed to corporates and responsible authorities such as the Hwange Colliery Company Limited and Hwange Local Board to consider revamping infrastructure in the area to avoid severe destruction of roads and buildings whenever there is a heavy downpour.

“It’s been raining since yesterday evening. It has been a heavy downpour. The main road has been damaged,” said Chima.

“There are a number of things that need to be looked at when it comes to floods in Hwange. These things are poor drainage systems and rehabilitation of roads.”

Some of the flooding in Hwange is due to the poor storm drains and pre-cast walls that have no weep holes to allow the flow of water.

However, the flooding in Hwange has been recurring. Four years ago the mining town experienced similar flash floods. They left a trail of destruction at the colliery and surrounding areas. Nhau/Indaba

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