Story by Gladys Samhokore
CALLS for the construction of a bridge over Ruti Dam in Buhera have intensified after nine people died when a commuter omnibus plunged into the dam on Friday.
The omnibus, which was travelling from Gutu East to Murambinda for a church service, reportedly suffered brake failure while parked on the Ruti Dam wall to load luggage before rolling into the water with passengers trapped inside.
National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the accident.
In the wake of the tragedy, Buhera Central Member of Parliament Honourable Samson Matema and Gutu East legislator Honourable Zvarevashe Masvingise renewed calls for the construction of a bridge, saying it is essential to improve public safety and prevent similar disasters.
“Residents are forced to use the dam wall and canoes to cross between Gutu and Buhera, especially when travelling to church services, schools and markets in the early hours of the morning,” said Honourable Masvingise.
Honourable Matema said repeated tragedies at the site underscored the urgency of the project.
“This is not the first time we are losing lives at Ruti Dam. There is need to prioritise the construction of a proper bridge here. People’s lives are at stake every day,” he said.
Chief Director in the Department of Civil Protection, Mr Nathan Nkomo warned that the dam wall was never intended to serve as a public crossing.
“Ruti Dam wall is not a road. It is extremely dangerous for vehicles and pedestrians to use it as a crossing point, especially at night and during the rainy season. We have been responding to drowning incidents at this site for years. A permanent bridge with proper safety measures is the only long-term solution to prevent further loss of life,” he said.
Mr Nkomo urged motorists and pedestrians to avoid using the dam wall, use designated routes where possible and support community awareness campaigns on water safety.
The latest accident follows another fatal incident at Ruti Dam a few weeks ago, when four family members drowned after their canoe capsized while crossing from Gutu to Buhera.
