Roseline Mutare
Motorists and pedestrians in the ancient city have raised concerns over the traffic congestion along the busy Industrial Road as buses and trucks park with reckless abandon effectively leaving one lane for other road users.
The reckless parking by buses dropping and picking up passengers at Old Croco Motors rank has the potential to cause accidents and unnecessary traffic jam, delaying motorists going about their business.
There are two main spots which are of major concern, the stretch that covers Delta Corporation Depot from Bradburn Street and the Pepsi warehouse near Spidron Motors workshop.
What is of major concern is that buses at Croco Motors have effectively turned a two lane road into a single one with trucks and buses struggling to negotiate the other lane resulting in numerous near miss head on collisions.
In one of the full council meetings attended by this publication in 2024, councillors spent 2hours arguing on how to effectively tame the traffic jungle at the old Croco Motors rank, with some proposing complete ban for buses while others said a boom gate should be erected and fees collected from the long distance buses using the space.
Masvingo City Mayor, Cllr Alec Tabe, said the council has resolved to erect a boom gate to reduce traffic congestion and designate the open space as a pick-and-drop point.
Tabe said they are committed to improving the safety of commuters and efficient management of traffic in the city hence the need to erect a boom gate.
“This is a major problem, especially during peak hours, the buses are taking up so much space, leaving only one lane for other road users. It is a recipe for disaster.
“The long term solution to all this madness is to relocate back to Mucheke Rank which was built for picking and dropping of passengers not this circus we are being subjected to by the so called city fathers who can’t make a decision and implement, the previous council tried it and failed and this one is heading in the same direction unfortunately,” said Michael Mutasa a motorist.
Another motorist, Tendai Mukora, echoed similar sentiments and said there should be no bus rank in the CBD and efforts should be made to rehabilitate the Mucheke Rank.
“I have had to swerve to avoid buses parked on the road several times, at the same time the other side of the road has gullies. It is only a matter of time before a serious accident happens at the spot,” said Mukora.
A commuter, Tatenda Machingauta also shared her frustrations saying, the situation is getting out of hand, the buses are not only occupying the road but also posing a risk to pedestrians and other road users.
A senior traffic police officer who is not authorised to speak to the press lamented the arrangement by the city council to allow long distance buses to pick and drop passengers in town as it has the potential to cause accidents.
Meanwhile, motorists are also complaining about a gate on the Industrial Road, near the Pepsi company.
Trucks from the yard reverse into Industrial Road and in some cases without any guide or due care to other motorists and this has resulted in six accidents being recorded alone this year around the area.
Accidents involving trucks reversing from the nearby garages including Pepsi have been recorded, it is a serious safety concern, and something needs to be done urgently said a motorist.
There is a suggestion that the gates for the garages at that spot must be facing the northern side to reduce accidents of that nature.
One recent incident involved prominent businessman, Cornelius Masendeke who was involved in an accident with a reversing truck at the spot.
“The authorities should act urgently on this matter, I almost lost my life, I only thank God that I am still alive, the accident was serious.
“The truck reversed directly into my kombi without anyone directing it. My kombi was damaged when it landed on the right side after being hit by the reversing truck, and my right hand was seriously injured, I am still on medication and recovering from the accident, it was scary,” said Masendeke.
When approached for comment, Tatenda Muzenda, an engineer with the city council, said, he is yet to assess the road and respond to the concerns raised by motorists and pedestrians.
He said once he got a chance to evaluate the situation, he will be able to provide a more informed response.
Masendeke’s harrowing experience highlights the need for urgent action to address the safety concerns on the Industrial Road. Motorists and pedestrians are calling for the authorities to intervene and ensure that the road is safe for all users.
