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THE once-thriving city of Bulawayo is now grappling with a severe road network crisis, brought on by the relentless pounding of heavy rains, deepening potholes and the subsequent abandonment of smaller roads by commuter omnibus operators.

This has led to a plethora of problems, not only for commuters but also for transport operators, who are forced to navigate treacherous roads that are taking a toll on their vehicles.

It is imperative that the authorities take immediate action to address this crisis, lest it spirals out of control, further exacerbating the already dire situation.

The impact on commuters is palpable, with many being forced to walk long distances, often in the dark, due to the unavailability of public transport on smaller roads. This has led to an increase in crime, as vulnerable individuals become easy prey for criminals.

The story that we carried in yesterday’s edition of Mrs Martha Ncube, a vegetable vendor in Magwegwe North, is a testament to the daily struggles faced by many. Her daily commute has become a gamble, with the constant fear of being mugged or attacked while walking to and from the terminus. This is unacceptable and demands immediate attention from the authorities.

Furthermore, transport operators are also bearing the brunt of the crisis, with vehicle maintenance costs skyrocketing due to the constant damage caused by potholes.

The experience of Mr Anesu Muvima, a kombi driver, is a stark reminder of the financial burden that operators are shouldering. He has had to repair his suspension three times in two months, a cost that is simply unsustainable.

The Bulawayo United Passenger Transporters Association (Bupta) chairman, Mr Morgan Msipa, has painted a bleak picture of the impact of the road crisis, highlighting the fact that operators are not refusing to take people closer to their homes out of malice, but rather due to the prohibitive costs of damages.

The crisis extends beyond the suburbs and into the heart of the city, with even the city centre becoming a minefield of potholes. The intersection of Lobengula Street and 3rd Avenue is a prime example, with a crater-like pothole wreaking havoc on drivers and pedestrians alike. The city council must take immediate action to address this crisis, lest it leads to more accidents and damage to vehicles.

While Ward 17 Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo has acknowledged the crisis and promised efforts to improve the situation, more needs to be done to address the scale of the problem. The city has over 2 400km of roads, much of which is in dire need of rehabilitation. Patchwork repairs are not enough; complete reconstruction is required to restore the roads to a usable state.

The crumbling road network of Bulawayo is a crisis that demands immediate attention and action. The authorities must take a comprehensive approach to address this issue, one that involves not only patchwork repairs but also a long-term plan to reconstruct and maintain the roads.

The people of Bulawayo deserve better, and it is the responsibility of the City Fathers to ensure that they are provided with a safe and reliable transportation system.