Zimpapers Logo

Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Chronicle Reporter
GWANDA residents have called for the construction of a bridge over a stream at Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle area which has claimed the lives of several people during rainy seasons.

Early this year a Gwanda Municipality police officer drowned while attempting to cross the stream while it was flooded.

The stream which feeds into Manzamnyama River is an access point for residents walking to other areas. It is also a pathway for pupils that walk from Garikai area to various schools.

Parents sometimes stop their children from going to school during the rainy season, to avoid the flooded stream.

In an interview Mr Bornface Tshuma, a resident, said the stream posed a threat to human life, especially to children.

“This stream is a major concern for us as residents especially for us who have children that have to cross it to get to school. I have children learning at Jahunda Primary (School) and the nearest route is for them to cross the stream.

During the rainy season the stream will be flooded thereby posing a threat to children,” he said.

A flooded stream

“To avoid the stream the children need to take a longer route which requires me to fork out transport money. If a bridge is constructed then it means children will have easier access to their schools”.

Mr Elijah Khuzwayo said the stream had also become a hiding spot for thieves who were taking advantage of the thick bushes. He said sometimes people get mugged while crossing the stream. Mr Khuzwayo said if the area was attended to and a proper crossing point was created, then people will be assured of their safety.

Ms Liment Phili, another resident, said every rainy season someone drowns in the stream. She said this showed how dangerous it was. Ms Phili said her child learns at Senondo Primary School and to get there she has to get across the stream. She said sometimes children knock off from school during the rainy season only to find the stream flooded.

“People have drowned in this stream and I really fear for my child. During the rainy season I ensure that I accompany my child to and from school to make sure that she doesn’t attempt to cross the flooded stream.

If the stream is flooded and I don’t have transport money I sometimes advise my child to stay at home because the other route is very long. People often get stranded at the stream when they find it flooded while trying to get across,” she said.

Gwanda Municipality director of housing and community services Mrs Sipho Mlotshwa said they recently held a management meeting to discuss residents’ concerns.

She said the council will start by clearing the bushes along the stream and then a foot bridge will be built to assist people to get across.

“We are working on coming up quotations for a vehicle that will clear the bushes. Well wishers have approached us and offered to build a foot bridge to assist residents.

“The council is seized with the matter as we realise the dangers which the stream poses to human life. Now that a school has been opened in the area it’s imperative that a bridge is built,” she said. – @DubeMatutu