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Chronicle Reporters
TRAVELLERS from Inyathi and Nkayi and parts of Gwanda districts spent several hours on the road as they could not cross flooded rivers that overflowed bridges in their areas. Those using the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road told Chronicle they found Mbembesi River near Turk Mine flooded and were stuck for several hours as they could not cross.

They appealed to government to complete construction of a bigger bridge across the river, saying they feared there could be fatalities as some might end up attempting to cross flooded rivers.

“The river along near Turk Mine has a small bridge and people are failing to cross to either side. Apparently with the heavy overnight downpour yesterday, it is still flooded causing a divide between Bulawayo, Inyathi and Nkayi thereby affecting business,” a motorist told Chronicle.

Mbembesi River has a small narrow bridge and concern has been raised on the delay in completing a bigger bridge to the west of the small bridge.

“Could the authorities hasten to finish the bridge project which has been on standby for a long period without being finished. People spend long hours just watching a flooded river with no solution in sight until the water has subsided,” said a concerned source.

At Mtshabezi in Gwanda District, police had to move in to monitor the situation as Mtshabezi River was flooded, barricading a community road.

Meanwhile, three homesteads were destroyed as Tugwi River in Mhandamabwe area flooded, leaving three families stranded yesterday morning.

Chivi District Administrator, Bernard Hadzarabwi however, said the affected families were evacuated to higher ground and they are safe.

Tugwi River cuts across Bulawayo-Masvingo Highway and a Chronicle delivery van was also affected.
The Chronicle vehicle carrying newspapers to Masvingo had to abandon its journey as the road was impassable.