Branton Matondo
Mutare-Residents from Mutare have called for City fathers to improve on road surfacing techniques following massive erosion and pothole extensions witnessed in Chikanga and Sakubva suburbs due to late heavy rains that are still pouring since February 9.
After going for a month and a half without proper rainfall, Mutare began experiencing heavy downpours last week.
Though the rains bring joy to farmers, road users have raised concern on the massive erosion and pothole extending even in Mutare’s low density suburbs.
One of the hardest hit places is Chikanga market in ward 14.
The market place which lies in Mutasa South constituency’s construction was facilitated by former MP for the constituency Irene Zindi to shelter vendors through the use of Constituency Development Funds (CDF).
Sharp gullies have been created posing danger to people who want to access the market.
Mutare Residents and Ratepayers Association (MURRA) Programs Director David Mutambirwa said council should act up quickly because it’s a hazard that will culminate into a sad story one day.
“The rains have brought and will continue to bring about massive road damages. If you look at Chikanga market area, poor drainage and road infrastructure has robbed the market of its former glory. Gullies formed due to massive soil erosion at the market has made the place inaccessible,” said Mutambirwa.
He added that council should act urgently before the situation degenerates into a disaster.
“City council should urgently address the issue not only for easy access but for security as the gullies pose great hazards among residents, especially senior citizens, children and people with disabilities,” he added.
Council has been carrying out pot hole filling exercises since last month using gravel.
The process has been brought to scrutiny as residents opt for better ways others than removable gravel.
Donald Chitakaira a resident from Maonde said road networks within Sakubva need immediate action from council.
“The state of our roads within Sakubva is bad and with more rains falling, it’s going to be worse. We really call upon the local authority to act because it’s not only a danger to motorists, but also to residents,” said Chitakaira.
Manicaland is expected to receive heavy rainfall between 65 to 120 mm from February 16-20 to the 20. This comes after Meteorological Services Department (MSD) released a warning notice on the February 15.
Manicaland is expected to receive of rain within 24hrs.
In a statement the MET Department has warned citizens to be on look-out for the rains.
“Residents from the province should look out for heavy rains (in excess of 50 mm), flash flooding in areas with saturated soil, wetlands, and impervious grounds as well as along basins,” read part of the statement.
