SYDNEY MUBAIWA
MBERENGWA-Communities in Mberengwa have been left isolated following heavy rains that have destroyed key infrastructure and disrupted access to essential services.
Critical bridges, including Mabika, Jeka and Pumula, have been washed away, cutting off major routes and leaving areas such as Danga Business Centre inaccessible.
The damage has severely affected the delivery of healthcare, food supplies and emergency services to affected residents.
In an interview with The Midweek Watch, Mberengwa District Development Coordinator Vafios Hlabati (pictured) who is also the district’s Civil Protection Unit chair said while initial food aid was distributed, ongoing relief efforts are now being hindered by the damaged road network.
He said the situation has been further worsened by the collapse of sanitation facilities and shelters, raising serious public health concerns.
“The district has been hit hard by incessant rains, which have badly damaged our roads and bridges across the district.
“Communication is completely shattered, people cannot visit healthcare institutions to access civil registry offices to acquire essential documents or burial orders in event of a funeral,” he said.
He warned villagers against attempting to cross flooded rivers or swollen streams, with officials noting that several lives have already been put at risk.
“We call upon our people to refrain from crossing flooded rivers and bridges. They should not seek shelter from under trees of dilapidated houses.
“Do not attempt to cross flooded rivers under any circumstances. Stay in safe areas or move to higher ground and wait for assistance,” authorities said.
He urged the public to remain patient and cooperate with rescue and relief teams as infrastructure repairs begin, cautioning that restoration of access routes will take time.
Hlabati emphasised that prioritising safety is critical as response teams work to stabilise the situation and scale up humanitarian support across the vast district.
Mberengwa Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Thompson Maeresera described the broken Jeka bridge as a strategic assert for the district.
“The bridge serves the entire Mberengwa area and connects it to Matebeleland South Province, making it a strategic bridge.
“This bridge is crucial for Mberengwa’s local economy and learning of its demise has brought about sorrow and distress to us who appreciate its value,” he said .
