Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
As the rains continue to fall across the country, many rivers are flooding including in Masvingo where a record 27 people have drowned since the beginning of the year.
This Wednesday residents of Masvingo woke up to a flooded Shakashe River, with many buildings near the river having been affected including the popular joint in the province, Caravan Park.
Motorists and pedestrians could be seen trying to capture some pictures of the floods, with senior residents saying they last witnessed such an incident more than 20 years ago.
“I was surprised to see such kind of flooding along Shakashe River, we last experienced this around 2000 during the cyclone Eline era. With such flooded rivers it is our duty as parents to ensure the safety of our children,” said a resident.
Such is also happening with the Mucheke River leading to flooding of Chimusana Bridge, a critical secondary route to residential suburbs, hence a serious traffic congestion in Masvingo during peak hours.
Since last month, the Zimbabwe Republic Police(ZRP) in Masvingo has confirmed 27 cases of drowning.
“As the ZRP, we appeal to the people of Masvingo to desist from crossing flooded rivers. Guardians and school authorities, please take care of your children. Do not let them go out when it’s raining or cross flooded rivers. From January up to date, we have recorded 27 cases of drowning and it’s a very big number,” ZRP’s Masvingo Provincial Spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhehwa said.
Work is currently underway by the government to construct new bridges along the Mucheke River, hence congestion will be a thing of the past.
