By Admore Mbonda In Kariba
Kariba, Zimbabwe — The Kariba-Makuti highway was rendered impassable yesterday due to severe landslides triggered by two hours of relentless rain.
The torrential downpour led to significant mudslides and the accumulation of large rocks, obstructing the main route and leaving numerous vehicles stranded.
The aftermath of the storm revealed the town’s lack of preparedness in disaster management and mitigation. Blocked drainage systems exacerbated the flooding, creating hazardous conditions for both motorists and pedestrians.
In several neighborhoods, including Mahimbekombe, Nyamhunga One, and Chawawara, residents witnessed the chaos unfold as water surged through the streets, trapping vehicles and endangering lives.
Motorists expressed their frustration over the council’s apparent neglect in maintaining the drainage systems.
“It is shameful that the council is failing to clear the drains. You wonder what they are really doing at the town house,” lamented a frustrated driver stuck on Nesango Road.
The flooding forced some to abandon their vehicles, further clogging the highway. In interviews, locals reported that the blocked drains were a recurring issue, with many attributing the problem to littering by vendors and residents. “We need better management of our town’s infrastructure,” one concerned resident stated.
In response to the outcry, Kariba Mayor Ralph Nyasha Maoneyi acknowledged the challenges faced by the municipality. “We were fully prepared for the rainy season, but the clearance of the drainage systems is a continuous process,” he explained.
However, he emphasized that the Kariba-Makuti Road is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transport, and discussions are ongoing to address the issues.
The impact of the landslides and flooding extends beyond transportation woes. Local resident Anna Chaukura from the Chikwava area shared her devastating experience.
“I lost the roof of my house after the heavy storms. My blankets and clothes were swept away by the gushing waters. I’m pleading for assistance from well-wishers; I’ve lost everything,” she recounted, tears in her eyes.
Chaukura’s plight highlights the urgent need for a coordinated disaster response strategy. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this weather event, the call for improved infrastructure and better management practices grows louder.
As Kariba residents face the repercussions of this natural disaster, the local government is under pressure to implement effective disaster management strategies.
The need for clear communication, regular maintenance of drainage systems, and community engagement in environmental management has never been more critical. With the rainy season still ongoing, residents hope that swift action will prevent further tragedies and restore normalcy to their lives.
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