By Tavonga Munyanyi
Shurugwi South Member of Parliament, Engineer Wilson Mhuri, has called for a multi-stakeholder approach to address a pending hazard on the Boterekwa road. This comes after rising concerns from Shurugwi District, as the government’s plans to refurbish the road are long-term.
Speaking to TellZim News, Mhuri, a qualified engineer and road construction expert, emphasized the necessity of prompt short-term interventions to ensure the safety of motorists and residents.
“I call on authorities and stakeholders to work collectively in finding immediate solutions and to avoid repetition of the same scenario.
“The Government is aware of the road’s state. It is included in its plans for refurbishment, but immediate measures are critical to address the current state of disarray,” said Mhuri.
Engineers from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development recently assessed the road and are expected to provide feedback on appropriate solutions.
The state of disaster was observed last week on Wednesday (December 4) when residents and motorists discovered a hole on the edge of the road along the Zvishavane-Shurugwi highway, which is suspected to be a result of underground mining.
Mhuri, who is also a Member of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee for Transport and Infrastructural Development, said there were plans by the government to start the rehabilitation of the Gweru-Shurugwi-Zvishavane-Rutenga Road.
“The Government has plans to start the rehabilitation of the Gweru-Shurugwi-Zvishavane-Rutenga Road as part of the government’s infrastructural development,” he said.
He urged motorists and all road users to stay calm without panic, saying the situation was under control.
Boterekwa road is making driving conditions increasingly treacherous despite efforts to seal the hole. Motorists who spoke to TellZim News said they were still afraid that another one may emerge.
“Boterekwa is now a death trap. This situation is unpredictable and it can happen again. Boterekwa is jeopardizing our jobs. We are bracing ourselves for the rough ride ahead, that seal may peel off leading to fatal road accidents,” said another motorist.
Another said it was better to condemn the road until it is repaired than waiting for the pending disaster to happen.
“I think it’s better to condemn this road. Drivers and passengers’ lives are at risk. The Government needs to commence Boterekwa road rehabilitation urgently,” he said.
The collapse of Boterekwa road is alleged to be a result of the digging of tunnels underneath the road by artisanal miners, which weakened the road.
