Opinion / Columnist
Rodgers Bridge safe, open to traffic
31 Jan 2021 at 10:11hrs | Views
MATABELELAND South provincial roads engineer Joseph Makokove has dispelled rumours that the Rodgers Bridge across the Mbembesi River near West Nicholson had been damaged by heavy rains and had become impassable, saying traffic was passing safely across the bridge.
In an interview with The Standard yesterday, Makokove said heavy rains had caused erosion on the embankment of the bridge, but an inspection carried out had certified it safe.
"The bridge is safe and passable to all traffic. The road was not closed at all," he said.
"Inspections were done and the bridge is fit."
On Friday the bridge, which is on the Beitbridge-Bulawayo highway, was temporarily closed for inspection, halting traffic on the busy highway.
Yesterday there was confusion with most people believing the road between Beitbridge and Bulawayo was closed at the bridge.
This followed a social media announcement by government spokesmen Ndavaningi Mangwana who said the road was closed for inspections.
Some people driving to Harare from Beitbridge opt for the Bulawayo road to avoid delays on the direct Beitbridge-Harare route currently being upgraded.
In an interview with The Standard yesterday, Makokove said heavy rains had caused erosion on the embankment of the bridge, but an inspection carried out had certified it safe.
"The bridge is safe and passable to all traffic. The road was not closed at all," he said.
"Inspections were done and the bridge is fit."
Yesterday there was confusion with most people believing the road between Beitbridge and Bulawayo was closed at the bridge.
This followed a social media announcement by government spokesmen Ndavaningi Mangwana who said the road was closed for inspections.
Some people driving to Harare from Beitbridge opt for the Bulawayo road to avoid delays on the direct Beitbridge-Harare route currently being upgraded.
Source - the standard
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