Masvingo roads crumble after heavy rains

The state of roads in Masvingo has deteriorated sharply following weeks of heavy rains, leaving several routes damaged and, in some cases, completely impassable.

The worsening conditions have sparked concern among residents, transport operators and local authorities, as key access roads linking residential suburbs, business centres and surrounding rural communities continue to collapse under persistent downpours.

Potholes have expanded into deep craters, sections of roads have been washed away, and drainage systems have failed to cope with the volume of water, accelerating the destruction. Commuters are now facing longer travel times, rising transport costs and increased risks of accidents.

Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Alliance board chairperson Thomas Mbetu described the situation as critical, warning that the scale of damage requires urgent intervention.

"The situation is critical. Our roads are severely damaged, with many now impassable, cutting off communities and threatening lives. This destruction has risen to the level of a provincial disaster," he said, urging authorities to declare a state of emergency to fast-track repairs.

Mbetu added that beyond mobility challenges, the deteriorating road network is also affecting livelihoods, particularly for informal traders and rural farmers who depend on reliable transport routes to move goods to markets. He warned that continued rainfall could further isolate vulnerable communities, especially in flood-prone areas.

Masvingo City Council Public Works Committee chairperson Richard Musekiwa acknowledged the crisis but said the local authority was preparing to act as the rainy season subsides.

"The state of the roads is bad but as the rainy season is drawing to an end, our road maintenance teams will be moving on the ground to attend to the roads. Council is mobilising equipment and human capital to execute the maintenance works," he said.

Musekiwa noted that limited resources remain a challenge, adding that the council will prioritise major access roads and routes serving densely populated suburbs. He stressed that support from central government and other stakeholders would be critical to ensure effective rehabilitation.

In the meantime, residents continue to bear the brunt of the damage. Commuter operators are avoiding certain routes, forcing passengers to walk long distances or pay higher fares, while motorists report frequent vehicle breakdowns due to poor road conditions.

There are growing calls for both immediate temporary measures, such as patching and grading, and long-term infrastructure upgrades to prevent recurring damage during future rainy seasons.